Aquinas American School - High School Campus vs Colegio Brains

	A Aquinas American School - High School Campus Madrid, Spain	C Colegio Brains Madrid, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,250 - 15,200	Fees / year €6,579 - 12,966
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 9
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1981
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Madrid, Spain. The PreK–8 campus is at C/ Transversal Cuatro, nº 4, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The High School campus is at C/ Poniente, 20, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The Residencia de AAS is at Paseo de los Ciruelos, 14, Montepríncipe, 28668 Alcorcón, Madrid.	Location Private international school in La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. The campus is at C/ Salvia, 48, 28109 Madrid. It forms part of Brains International School, offering IB programmes on the La Moraleja campus.
Stages	Stages Preschool; Lower School (1st–5th); Middle School (6th–8th); High School (9th–12th).	Stages Early Education (PYP); Primary Education (PEP/PYP); Middle Years Programme (PAI/MYP); Baccalaureate (National / IB DP).
School type	School type Catholic school offering an American curriculum; boarding program available.	School type Private international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Student Support Services (SSS) department offers a wide range of services to assist teachers, students, and families with learning and/or emotional needs. SSS provides prevention, intervention, transition, and follow-up actions on both PreK–8 and High School campuses with a team of qualified professionals who collaborate with teachers, external agencies, and families.	Additional learning support Speech therapy (Logopedia) provided by the Speech Therapy Department. CEDE Brains offers early stimulation and educational development support and family guidance.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details School transport routes are offered; information on routes and arrangements is published by Brains La Moraleja.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrollment fees - Family Admission (one-time, new families): EUR 2,000. - Annual Registration (per student, mandatory, non‑refundable): EUR 500. - Deposit (per student; refundable when the student leaves once all financial obligations are met): EUR 500. - Returning students: Annual Registration EUR 500; Deposit only required for High School returning students: EUR 500. Tuition fees by year group (annual and common payment-breakdown examples for the current academic year) - Kindergarten (ages 3–5): Annual tuition EUR 8,200. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 820 per month. Three-installment example (40% / 30% / 30%): EUR 3,280 / EUR 2,460 / EUR 2,460. - Lower School (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition EUR 10,100. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,010 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 4,040 / EUR 3,030 / EUR 3,030. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual tuition EUR 11,300. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,130 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 4,520 / EUR 3,390 / EUR 3,390. - High School (Grades 9 & 10): Annual tuition EUR 13,100. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,310 per month. Three-installment example: EUR 5,240 / EUR 3,930 / EUR 3,930. - American High School Diploma (Grades 11 & 12, not IBDP): Annual tuition EUR 13,500. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,350 per month; if Grade 12 is paid over 8 months the monthly amount is EUR 1,687.50. Three-installment example: EUR 5,400 / EUR 4,050 / EUR 4,050. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11 & 12): Annual tuition EUR 15,000. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,500 per month; if Grade 12 paid over 8 months the monthly amount is EUR 1,875. Three-installment example: EUR 6,000 / EUR 4,500 / EUR 4,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods available: full upfront payment (eligible for a tuition discount), direct debit monthly plan, or a multi‑payment schedule (installments). The school requires a chosen payment method at enrollment. - Full upfront payment: a tuition discount is applied to full annual tuition when received by the school's stated deadline; this discount does not apply to lunch or transportation fees. - Monthly/direct debit: tuition may be divided into monthly payments (commonly arranged as ten monthly payments for K1–G11 and eight monthly payments for G12). Lunch and transport are typically billed in separate installments. - Three-installment option (where offered): typical breakdown used by the school is 40% / 30% / 30% of the annual tuition due across three dates during the year; the same percentage split applied to the annual tuition yields the example installment amounts shown above. - Late or returned payment penalties: administrative penalty for bounced payments and for late receipts is charged (example penalty amounts appear in the school's payment terms). The school may interrupt or cancel enrollment for persistent non‑payment. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Full boarding (residential high‑school programme): annual boarding programme fee EUR 44,000. This fee is quoted as an annual all‑inclusive programme and explicitly includes school tuition, accommodation, three meals per day and snacks, international health insurance, uniforms (two sets), textbooks and materials, 24‑hour supervision, college counselling (for Grades 11–12), transport related to residence, and weekend activities/field trips. Boarding students are accommodated in double rooms with en suite bathrooms. Other costs and optional services - Lunch (day students): installment schedule shown in the school fees document; example installments for day students (K1–G11) total EUR 1,800 annually (example split shown as EUR 720 / EUR 540 / EUR 540 across the three billing installments) and for G12 an example split totals EUR 1,440 (EUR 720 / EUR 720) depending on the billing period selected. - Bus/transport service (monthly and per‑day options): sample monthly rates (single child) and family rates include Round Trip EUR 180 (1 child), EUR 300 (2 children), EUR 360 (3+); One Way EUR 140 / EUR 220 / EUR 280 for 1 / 2 / 3+ children; a supervised 3 pm High School bus option is shown at EUR 70 monthly (and lower per‑day rates for single‑day use). - Textbooks/online licenses: for some grades a single annual textbooks/online-license fee is charged separately (the school lists specific textbook/online license arrangements; textbooks and uniforms are generally not included in tuition for certain grades). - ESL / SSL support: additional monthly charge where required, example rate EUR 300 per month. - IB certificates / exam fees: example charge for IB certificates for American Diploma students is EUR 600 per subject (one‑time payment in Grade 12); fees for official recognitions, UNED registration, AP exams and other third‑party exam fees are charged at cost. - Uniforms: not included in tuition; uniforms are available for purchase through the school's uniform supplier. - After‑school activities and residential trips: charged separately on a semester or per‑activity basis; participation may be withheld for students with outstanding payments. Refund and withdrawal rules - Deposit refund: the student deposit is refundable when the student leaves the school provided all financial obligations have been settled. - Mid‑year withdrawal: if a student leaves during a month, the school charges for the full calendar month in which the student departs. A minimum notice requirement of one calendar month is required to confirm an unenrollment date. Continued non‑payment may lead to interruption or cancellation of a student's enrollment. Fee payment options and practical payment rules - Accepted payment methods: direct debit (required for installment plans), and bank transfer (used for full upfront payments). Card payments incur a surcharge where specified; cash payments are not accepted. Parents are responsible for any bank charges on transfers. A European/SEPA bank account is normally required for direct debit arrangements. - Credit card and bank charges: example surcharges and bank charge policies appear in the school's payment terms; parents are liable for bank charges and international transfers must be received net of fees. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Overview (campus-specific fees for the current academic year) Brains International School — La Moraleja - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450. This amount is deducted from the September invoice. - Annual enrolment (matrícula): Infant & Primary EUR 491; Secondary & Baccalaureate EUR 499. Charged on the September invoice. - Annual tuition (shown as annual amounts by stage): - Pre‑school (0, 1, 2 years): EUR 6,579.00. Alternative schedules listed: up to 3 days/week EUR 4,766.00; half‑day (9h–12h/week) EUR 6,415.00. 3–5 years: EUR 6,883.00. - Primary 1st–2nd: EUR 8,640.00. - Primary 3rd–6th: EUR 9,229.00. - Secondary (ESO): EUR 10,529.00. - Baccalaureate (1st and 2nd): EUR 10,541.00 each. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Year 1 and Year 2: EUR 12,966.00 each. These tuition figures are published as annual charges. - Compulsory and optional services (examples and prices): - Compulsory dining (Primary): annual EUR 2,230.00; Compulsory dining (Secondary): annual EUR 2,240.00. - Optional dining (Infant): monthly EUR 218.00; Baccalaureate monthly EUR 224.00; single‑day lunch EUR 15.00. - Extra hours / wraparound care: monthly options from EUR 49.00 (single extra hour) up to EUR 133.00 (full extra hour with breakfast and snack). - Instrumental music (curricular for ESO 1st–4th): monthly EUR 86.00. - The published tuition fees include most textbooks and digital books (with specific exceptions), corporate teaching materials, curricular excursions, mid‑morning snack for youngest children, and school insurance; swimming is included except in listed final years. - Sibling discounts: third sibling 25%; fourth sibling 50%; fifth sibling 100% (applies to educational services). - Cancellation / refund rule: amounts paid to the Centre (reservation and other sums) are treated as non‑refundable if the student's enrolment is cancelled. The reservation is specifically deducted from the September invoice and will be retained in case of withdrawal. Brains International School — Conde Orgaz (Madrid) - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450 (deducted from the September invoice). Annual enrolment fee for Infant: EUR 450 (charged in September). - Annual tuition (2025/2026) by stage: - Young Learners / Pre‑Nursery half‑day (9h–12h/week): EUR 6,332.00. - Young Learners / Pre‑Nursery full: EUR 6,736.00. - Nursery / Reception / Preparatory: EUR 7,036.00. - (Further services such as dining, extra hours and breakfast/snack are shown separately—see the services section below.) - Services and other charges: optional monthly lunch EUR 210.00; lunch per day EUR 15.00; breakfast/snack monthly EUR 42.00; extra hours monthly from EUR 50.00 up to EUR 135.00 (full extra hour with breakfast and snack). Published tuition includes curricular excursions and school insurance. - Sibling discounts: third sibling 25%; fourth sibling 50%; fifth sibling 100%. Cancellation / refund rule: amounts paid are considered non‑refundable on withdrawal. Brains International School — Las Palmas / Telde (Canary Islands) - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450 (deducted from the September invoice). Annual enrolment: Infants EUR 435; Primary EUR 461; Secondary & Baccalaureate EUR 477. Charged in September. - Annual tuition (2025/2026) by stage (examples): - Infants (0, 1, 2 years) full: EUR 4,941.00; half‑day (9h–12h/week) EUR 4,011.00; reduced 3‑day option EUR 3,541.00. - Upper infants (3–4 years): EUR 5,290.00; 5 years: EUR 5,364.00. - Primary 1st–4th: EUR 6,073.00; Primary 5th–6th: EUR 6,661.00. - Secondary: EUR 7,241.00. - Baccalaureate 1st and 2nd: EUR 6,917.00 each. These amounts are shown as annual fees. - Services and other charges: compulsory Primary lunch annual EUR 1,800.00; optional infant monthly lunch EUR 169.00; secondary/baccalaureate monthly lunch EUR 180.00; daily lunch EUR 14.00; breakfast/snack monthly EUR 71.00; early/late care monthly options from EUR 24.00 to EUR 45.00. Tuition inclusions and textbook exceptions are specified in the published fee schedule. Sibling discounts apply as noted above. Application fees and enrolment summary (all campuses where published) - Place reservation fee (common across published campus schedules): EUR 450. It is deducted from the September invoice. On withdrawal, sums paid are treated as non‑refundable. - Annual enrolment (matrícula) varies by campus and stage (examples: La Moraleja Infant/Primary EUR 491; Las Palmas Infant EUR 435; Conde Orgaz Infant EUR 450). Enrolment amounts are billed on the September invoice. Billing schedule and payment terms (as published) - The published fee documents present tuition as annual amounts and show that the place reservation is deducted from the September invoice; annual enrolment fees are charged in the September invoice. Specific installment plans (terms or number of instalments) and the school's accepted payment methods are not itemised in the published fee schedules. Cancellation of enrolment renders amounts paid non‑refundable in the published schedules. Boarding / residential provision - No boarding or residential fees are listed in the published fee schedules for the campuses reviewed. All published charges relate to day schooling, meals, extracurricular or wraparound services. Other fees and typical additional costs - Dining / lunch (examples by campus): daily lunch ranges EUR 14.00–15.00; monthly infant lunches and baccalaureate lunch options are shown per campus (examples given above). - Wraparound care (early morning / extra hour / extended day): monthly fees appear in published schedules (examples EUR 24.00 up to EUR 135.00 depending on campus and option). - Music / curricular extras: instrumental music listed (example La Moraleja EUR 86.00/month for ESO curricular). - Uniform and school clothing: a Brains online store is available and example items are priced (e.g., a primary sweatshirt shown at EUR 28.00 in the school store). Uniform costs are charged separately via the school store. - Textbooks and materials: most tuition fees include textbooks and digital books except for specified year groups (examples noted in each campus schedule where exceptions apply). Some Baccalaureate materials may be requested from families. Refunds and cancellations - Published fee schedules state that the reservation and amounts paid to the Centre are considered non‑refundable in the event of cancellation of the student's matriculation. This condition is shown in the campuses' published fee documents. Fee payment options - The public fee schedules specify billing events (for example, deduction of the reservation from the September invoice and enrolment charged in September) but do not list the accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) in the published price documents. For parents arranging payment, the fee documents indicate amounts and billing timing rather than specific payment channels. Useful facts for entering these figures into a database - Tuition and service charges are presented as annual amounts by stage/campus in the published school price schedules; dining and wraparound services are frequently shown as monthly or per‑day charges. Reservation and enrolment are separate line items and are billed against the September invoice. Published schedules include sibling discounts and list which learning materials are included or excluded from tuition. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school offers a boarding program in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid. Boarding facilities include furnished rooms, common areas, study rooms, high-speed internet, and 24/7 security. Residential advisors and academic tutors provide ongoing support. Dining is provided in the dining hall with nutritious, delicious meals that accommodate dietary requirements, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The program includes cultural enrichment and weekend excursions. Boarding students are housed at the AAS Residence, Paseo de los Ciruelos 14, Montepríncipe, 28668 Alcorcón, Madrid.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform; uniforms are sold through the Brains Store.
Food options	Food options The dining hall provides nutritious, delicious meals catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements. The program emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and offers a variety of options to keep students energized.	Food options The dining service is provided with a published dining menu. A Department of Healthy Habits oversees nutrition and wellbeing, including menu quality checks.
House system	House system All students are assigned to a Bear House to compete in sports and recreational activities. The Bear House system fosters social integration across ages and grades and promotes a sense of belonging to the school community.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Aquinas American School is an independent Catholic school founded in 2012. It belongs to Mathema Education, an educational group that also manages Atlas American School of Málaga and the International School of Navarra. The school is not connected to any ecclesial organization. The Board of Directors includes founders and parents of current students. The Residence Director leads boarding operations.	Governance and ownership The school is private and part of the Brains International School group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details American School in Madrid is a Catholic school offering an American curriculum that prepares students to enter college in Spain or any other country. Preschool runs K1–K2, with K3 described as pivotal in adjusting to school routines; Lower School covers 1st–5th grade; Middle School covers 6th–8th grade; High School covers 9th–12th grade. The High School provides two diploma options: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and the American High School Diploma (AHSD), with SAT and UNED coursework supporting college preparation and 100 hours of volunteering over four years. The curriculum emphasizes languages, liberal arts and sciences, and the development of analytical, creative and communication skills, with a College Counselor helping with transcripts and admissions deadlines. Aquinas American School is part of Mathema Education, which also manages The British School of Navarra and Atlas American School of Málaga.	Curriculum details Brains Arturo Soria is an international school in Madrid where all subjects are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish language and mathematics. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) forms the primary curriculum, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is pursued for the secondary level, and the Diploma Programme (DP) is offered for Bachillerato. The school is a candidate IB World School for the MYP and seeks authorization to offer the IB Diploma Programme. Apple Distinguished School is a designation held by the institution. French and German are taught as additional languages, with oral instruction first and written work added from 4th grade onward.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Eight years in a row above the global IB average; the Class of 2025 achieved 31.52 IB points. The High School program offers the IB Diploma and the American High School Diploma (AHSD), with SATs and UNED as college-preparation options and 100 hours of volunteering during grades 9–12. AAS is an SAT testing center and provides college counseling to support university admissions.	Exam results IB Diploma Programme results 2024/25: Brains Arturo Soria achieved a Diploma average of 33.27 out of 45, with a top score of 44; 18.8% of students scored 40–45 and 27.7% scored 38–45. Brains La Moraleja achieved a Diploma average of 32 out of 45. These results are presented as above the world average.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University Access Program in Madrid: prepare students to access university in Spain and abroad. Students may choose between two diplomas: International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB), pursued in the last two years of High School and recognized in 50 countries, and the American High School Diploma (AHSD) with Spanish Language and Culture; the AHSD diploma can be validated in Spain and does not require any further examination. AAS is an SAT testing center and offers college counseling to guide university admissions, helping keep options open to study in Spain, the United Kingdom or the United States. Aquinas American School belongs to Mathema Education, which also operates The British School of Navarra and Atlas American School of Málaga.	Higher education progression The school has an International Universities Counselor who provides personalized plans for university admission, organizes parent information meetings, and coordinates admissions for study abroad. Applications have been submitted to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, China, Italy, and Denmark.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school has a Student Support Services (SSS) department providing prevention, intervention, transition, and follow-up actions for students with learning and/or emotional needs, guiding them to overcome barriers and reach their full personal and educational potential; a team of highly qualified professionals on PreK-8 and High School campuses collaborates with teachers, external agencies, and families to support the school community.	Social & emotional learning The Brains Group provides a socially and emotionally stimulating environment that supports personal and social development. The Educational Guidance Department guides students in evolutionary, social-emotional and academic development, especially during transitions or personal crises, working alongside families and tutors. A Student Welfare and Protection Coordinator oversees safeguarding, with a psychologist coordinating across centres to support well-being. Mindfulness practical lessons are part of the plan, and Families in School sessions build positive family-life dynamics to support development. The Tutorial Action Plan includes a Values and Emotional Intelligence Programme and activities to develop self-knowledge, empathy, self-esteem and social skills, including education for equality and preventing gender-based violence and the KIVA program to prevent bullying. The CEDE BRAINS multidisciplinary student-care service provides coordinated intervention in speech therapy, psychology, pedagogy, psychomotor education and occupational therapy to support students' well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a dedicated Student Support Services team that addresses learning and emotional needs with personalized attention, working with teachers, external agencies, and families to ensure student success.	Special educational needs (SEN) Measures for students with learning difficulties include individualised remedial education, academic support in class, and Individualised Curricular Adaptation with an Individualised Education Programme. Speech Therapy, Brain Training Gym, Kumon, and Chess are available supports, and remedial education can be an alternative to a third or fourth foreign language. For students newly incorporated into the bilingual system, there are English immersion and Spanish immersion programmes, along with additional language and curricular adaptations. There are dedicated measures for gifted and talented students, including curriculum adaptation and enrichment projects, such as the OPEN CLASSROOM project in Social and Natural Science Research. The school also provides a multidisciplinary student-care service (CEDE BRAINS) for comprehensive and coordinated intervention.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Non-native English-speaking students applying for grades 7–12 must take the Duolingo English Test (DET); minimum English levels are 120 for G7–G8, 130 for G9–G10, and 135 for G11–G12; the test can be taken at home.	English as an additional language The school provides 100% English immersion in Infant Education, with the International Curriculum taught in English from the first year. From age 3, a second language (French or German) is introduced through games, stories and songs. At age 5 months, there is an international education with English as the language of learning, and English and other languages are integrated across the curriculum. The areas of learning are taught in English, and a second language is learned to support language development. English immersion is complemented by additional language supports, including English Plus and classroom support (two teachers) in some settings.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school has Student Support Services addressing emotional challenges as part of its preventive, intervention, and follow-up services, supporting students to reach their full potential and maintain well-being.	Mental wellbeing The Educational Guidance Department focuses on the students' emotional and academic development, contributing to mental well-being. The plan includes mindfulness practical lessons and family-focused sessions to support emotional health. The Plan de Acción Tutorial emphasizes social and emotional skills, including self-knowledge, empathy and healthy relationships, with activities such as mindful practice and education for equality and preventing gender-based violence. Family support sessions aim to strengthen family dynamics in service of holistic development. A multidisciplinary student-care service (CEDE BRAINS) collaborates across psychology, speech therapy and other specialties to support emotional and cognitive development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school provides an internal reporting channel for safeguarding concerns.	Safeguarding The Student Welfare and Protection Coordinator role was established to safeguard students' emotional well-being under applicable protections, with a psychologist coordinating across centres. The school follows established channels for reporting incidents and employs a Compliance Officer to intervene when needed. Programs and measures are coordinated to prevent ill-treatment or abuse and to maintain a safe, healthy and welcoming environment. The approach includes training for professionals and proactive safeguarding across all centres, with a focus on emotional safety and respectful conduct.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Two campuses operate in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid: the PreK-8 Campus and the High School Campus. The PreK-8 Campus is located at C/ Transversal Cuatro, nº 4, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The High School Campus is located at C/ Poniente, 20, Urb. Monte Alina, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón. The Residence for Aquinas American School is at Paseo de los Ciruelos, 14, Montepríncipe, 28668 Alcorcón, Madrid. The Bear House system assigns every student to a Bear House to compete in sports and recreational activities, promoting belonging to the community.	Facilities overview Brains Arturo Soria teaches every subject in English except Spanish language and mathematics. Our classes are equipped with the latest educational technology. Our students grow up having fun and enjoying our different playgrounds. The facilities include spacious, well-lit classrooms, a laboratory for science, a library to support learning, an organic garden to raise environmental awareness, and a climbing wall to develop motor skills.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Brains Arturo Soria has outdoor sports facilities and basketball courts. There are separate playgrounds for different age groups, including a dedicated area for younger students with swings and pressed rubber floors. A climbing wall provides opportunities to develop motor skills. Outdoor facilities support physical education and team sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The curriculum provides access to universities in Spain or abroad. Preschool, Lower School, Middle School and High School are the divisions. In High School, students can earn two diplomas: IB and AHSD. College preparation includes SATs and UNED, with 100 hours of volunteering over the four years. A College Counselor accompanies students through the admissions process and helps prepare transcripts and meet deadlines. The Middle School curriculum emphasizes languages, arts, mathematics, science and social sciences.	Academic facilities Classrooms are spacious, fitted with the latest technology and natural lighting. A laboratory provides space for experimental science to practise scientific methodology. The library offers information resources and supports guided reading, group work and independent study. The organic garden raises environmental awareness and promotes healthy eating habits. A climbing wall adds a physical education resource.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Students can join clubs such as theater, Mad Lab, French, cinema or journalism. Spiritual Life and Values Education is part of student life. The Bear House system fosters social integration and competition in sports and recreational activities. University Fair is among the events that enrich student life.	Extra curricular facilities A broad range of extracurricular activities is offered, including Brains Sports (basketball), Chess Academy, Judo Academy, and an Accredited Music School. Non-formal Music School, Funky Dance and Ballet are available for performing arts. Debate Club, Public Speaking and Kumon support academic and communication skills, while Digital Illustration, Cinema, Parkour, Pickleball and Music Theatre expand creative and athletic opportunities. Brains Warrior Kids provides cardiovascular and obstacle-course training through structured circuits and competitions.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Forty-five years ago, Manuel Sánchez and María Hita founded Brains. The Brains group has developed a pedagogical method that evolves with the times to form healthy, balanced, responsible individuals who are academically and emotionally prepared, with an international outlook and, above all, happiness. The Sánchez Hita family, founders of Brains, recounts the origins and future plans to keep Brains as a reference in international education. Brains La Moraleja offers international education for ages 0–18; Brains Conde Orgaz serves ages 0–5; Brains Arturo Soria provides all IB Programme stages for ages 6–18; Brains Las Palmas provides multilingual education for Maternal and Primary with continuity to Brains Telde; Brains Telde serves Secondary and Bachillerato and opened in 2018, earning Apple Distinguished School recognition.
Community	Community Home of the Bears introduces a Bear House system with four Bear Houses—Grizzly, Polar, Black and Kodiak—led by Tommy the Bear, the school mascot. Students from all grades compete in house-based sports days and trivia, and earn points for good conduct in the cafeteria, fostering camaraderie and belonging within the school community. The school hosts and participates in events such as University Fair, Senior Graduation, St. Patrick & St. Joseph Mass for Lower & Middle School, and Family Gathering as part of its community calendar.	Community Brains International Schools' community spans five campuses: Brains La Moraleja (Alcobendas), Brains Orgaz (Conde de Orgaz), Brains Arturo Soria (Arturo Soria, Madrid), Brains Las Palmas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), and Brains Telde (Telde). The group emphasizes international education and multilingualism, ensuring students speak several languages and engage with diverse cultures. Family involvement is supported through the Escuela de Familias, Coordinadora de Bienestar, Atención a las Familias, and the Programa Familias Internacionales. News highlights across campuses include Brains La Moraleja students winning a NASA international competition, and abundant family testimonials reflecting active community engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Entrepreneurship Program for grades 10–12 provides a full-year, team-based startup experience with mentors; students create an enterprise, test ideas using lean methods, and pitch their proposals in a Shark Tank–style event. Skills developed include communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem solving, resilience, public speaking, accountability, creative thinking and empathy. From concept to MVP to pitch, students gain real market experiences and learn through hands-on enterprise development.	Academic & intellectual The Brains Method supports active methodologies and personal content, with each student considered unique. This approach emphasizes active learning and individualized projects.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and Music Program integrates theater, music and painting into the school day. The Music Department Program is developed by a professional singer and composer, Ms. Natali Castillo. The Virtual Art Gallery was developed by IB students for their CAS project.	Arts & creative Summer Camp includes sports, art and technology.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Lower School emphasizes languages and offers clubs such as theater, Mad Lab, French, cinema and journalism.	Cultural & language International Education guarantees students speak several languages and engage with diverse cultures.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include soccer, ballet, roller skating and volleyball. Bears teams compete in the Pozuelo Municipal League, with additional sports electives such as tennis, paddle, soccer, basketball and volleyball.	Social & hobbies Values Education and Coexistence Programmes develop emotional intelligence, social skills and responsible citizenship.
Community & service	Community & service High School requires 100 hours of community service over the last four years.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Entrepreneurship Program builds leadership and professional skills through teamwork, communication, problem solving, public speaking, accountability, creative thinking and empathy; students work with entrepreneurs as coaches and pitch proposals in a Shark Tank–style event.	Leadership & professional The school offers an IB Diploma (DP) program and a College Counselor.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical education are core to wellbeing; the campus features a 7v7 soccer field, basketball courts and a gym. PE is integrated across grade levels with a range of sports options, and high school teams compete in local leagues with Bears teams.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Movement in learning is key; physical exercise supports health, self-esteem and social relations, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Spanish Language and Culture is included as part of the Spanish national curriculum for Grades 1–10. The IB Diploma Program provides language options including Spanish, English and French within its six subject groups. Lower School emphasizes languages as an indispensable tool for thinking.	Language provision Languages taught include English, Spanish, French and German. English is the dominant language in early years; Primary offers English/Spanish bilingual expression; Spanish literacy begins in Preparatory and continues through Primary, with reading and writing in both languages. In La Moraleja, Secondary prepares students for Cambridge English, DELF and Goethe exams.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Bilingual communication is introduced in Kindergarten 1 (ages 3–4). The preschool program emphasizes bilingual communication in its early years.	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction for Young Learners, providing an English-immersion environment. French and German are taught from age 3. Preparatory builds literacy in Spanish, enabling reading and writing in both English and Spanish in Primary.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Infant International Programme provides an English-immersion environment for ages 9 months to 5 years. French and German are introduced from age 3 as part of the multilingual curriculum. Preparatory develops literacy in Spanish, preparing students to begin Primary able to read and write in both languages.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards AAS Class of 2025 achieved an average IB score of 31.52, eight years in a row above the global IB average.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations IB World School offering the Diploma Program; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation; College Board; Asociación Ibérica de Colegios International Baccalaureate (ASIBI) membership; Comunidad de Madrid authorization with recognition under Spanish law; NCAA approval for athletics; Mathema Education group membership.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. School tour: Request a visit to Aquinas American School by filling out the online form. After submission, a member of the admissions team will arrange the tour or meeting. The tour supports understanding of the program and community. Submitting the online form begins the admissions process. 2. Interview / Placement test: After reviewing the student's academic history, the school schedules an interview (in person or online) and a placement test to assess academic capabilities. The interview helps determine fit with the school's philosophy and program. The placement test assesses the student's academic level. The interview/test may be conducted in person or online. 3. Formal admissions request: Complete the Online Application. The required documents include the Application Form, Academic Records (last two years and the current year), and Recommendation Letters; English Proficiency must be demonstrated for grades 7-12 via the Duolingo English Test with grade-specific minimums. The test can be taken at home. The school reserves the right to admit, conditionally admit, place on a waiting list, or deny admission. 4. Confirmation of enrollment: Candidates will be notified of the final decision via a formal admissions letter. Once admitted, families will receive a service provision agreement to be completed by the date indicated, along with the required bank deposit to finalize enrollment. Notification timelines: For K1-K3, the notification period is 15 days; a first list of admissions for G1 to G12 is published on March 1; a second list is published on April 1. Acceptance must be confirmed in writing, and tuition payment instructions are provided.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school may place applicants on a waiting list.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →