Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool vs ES American School

	B Barcelona High School - Elementary & Preschool Barcelona, Spain	E ES American School Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,510 - 21,900	Fees / year €11,470 - 19,355
Age range	Age range 3 - 11 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 340	Pupils 141
Typical class size	Typical class size 0	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish, Cantonese	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2024	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two campuses in Barcelona, Spain: Elementary & Preschool at Carrer de Montornès, 37, 08023, Barcelona; and BHS Middle School & High School at Carrer de Joan d'Àustria, 109, 08018, Barcelona.	Location ES American School operates two campuses: Barcelona, Spain, and Naples, Florida, USA. The Barcelona campus is located on Autovía de Castelldefels (C-31), Km 191, 08820 El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, on the Emilio Sánchez Academy campus. It is ten minutes by taxi from Barcelona International Airport (T1 or T2) and about fifteen minutes from downtown Barcelona by taxi or car. The Naples campus is ES Academy Naples, at 2035 Sánchez Casal Way, Naples, Florida, 34105, USA.
Stages	Stages Preschool / Kindergarten; Elementary School; Middle School; High School	Stages Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), High School (grades 9–12).
School type	School type International American School with a boarding program (not a dedicated boarding school)	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support (LS) provides targeted help in reading, math, language (including English Language Learner), social skills, and executive functions; services include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and in-class interventions; emphasizes neurodiversity and inclusive learning.	Additional learning support English language support classes for students whose native language is not English.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain; affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Education	Country affiliation Spain and United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee: EUR 0 (Free). - Annual matriculation fee: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). - One-time entrance (enrolment) fee: EUR 2,500 (non-refundable). Tuition fees by year group (billing units shown as the school publishes them) - Preschool & Kindergarten (PK3 – K5, ages 3–6): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — described as “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group. - Elementary (Grades 1–5, ages 6–11): EUR 1,590 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 15,900) or EUR 14,310 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). The published amount includes the school meal plan for this age group. - Middle School (Grades 6–8, ages 11–14): EUR 1,790 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 17,900) or EUR 16,110 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - High School (Grades 9–10, ages 14–16): EUR 2,090 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 20,900) or EUR 18,810 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - Pre-University / Upper High School (Grades 11–12, ages 16–18): EUR 2,190 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 21,900) or EUR 19,710 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). - Online Only (Grades 1–12, ages 6–18): EUR 1,390 per 10-month installment (equivalent published total EUR 13,900) or EUR 12,510 if paid in a single advanced payment (discounted — “1 month free”). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in monthly installments (the school publishes amounts as per a 10-month installment) or as a single advanced payment with a discount described as one month free. Full-year, semester-only, and monthly enrolment options are accepted. Tuition is pro-rated for the actual period of enrollment. The annual matriculation fee and the one-time entrance fee are not pro-rated. There are no additional published sibling discounts due to the school's fixed-loyalty tuition policy. Boarding and student residence fees (where applicable) - The school operates a boarding/residence programme through nearby student residences rather than on-campus dormitories; residence arrangements are offered for students aged 15–18. - Residence registration fee: EUR 1,000 (non-refundable). - Boarding deposit: 20% of the total boarding fees (non-refundable and applicable against the total boarding fees). Reservations require payment of the residence registration fee and deposit at booking. All published boarding fees for a chosen reservation period must be paid in one installment. - Boarding meal plan pricing (optional add-on as published): EUR 250 / month for breakfast only; EUR 375 / month for dinner only; EUR 650 / month for breakfast & dinner. - Published residence fee examples (by reservation period): - Premium residence (includes breakfast): EUR 25,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 13,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 9,000 for a 3-month stay. - Comfort residence (room only): EUR 18,000 for a 10-month stay; EUR 9,500 for a 5-month stay; EUR 6,150 for a 3-month stay. - Student visa mobility program (service fee for non-EU citizens): EUR 2,500 service fee (published as the mobility/student visa service fee). Other costs and optional programme fees - Meal plan for day students (where not included): EUR 215 / month; meal plan is published as free for Preschool and Elementary tuition packages where the tuition listing explicitly includes the meal plan. - English Foundation Year (intensive entry-year programme) published fee example: EUR 1,990 per 10-month installment (published programme fee and payment options shown on the English Foundation programme page). - Optional exam-preparation and short programmes (examples of published fees): SAT/college-prep course packages published with tiers such as EUR 2,500 (VIP), EUR 1,500 (Premium), and EUR 750 (Basic) for various SAT/PSAT/ACT prep offerings; summer language-camp weeks are published as EUR 250 / week or EUR 600 for a 3-week session. Tennis academy programme tiers are published with examples such as EUR 6,000 (Basic), EUR 9,000 (Premium), and EUR 12,000 (VIP). These extracurricular and supplementary programme fees are additional to standard tuition and boarding charges. Refunds and non-refundable items (published) - The annual matriculation fee (EUR 1,000) and the one-time entrance fee (EUR 2,500) are explicitly published as non-refundable. Residence registration fees and the boarding deposit are published as non-refundable and applicable toward total boarding fees. Tuition is published as pro-rated according to the period of enrollment. The school's published materials show the non-refundable status for those specific fees; no separate tuition-refund schedule beyond pro-ration is published in the fee listings. Fee payment options (published payment terms and discounts) - Published payment options: monthly installment plans (presented as amounts per 10-month installment), semester or full-year payment options, and a published discount for a single advanced payment (described as one month free). The school's published fee pages instruct that registration or deposit payments are required to confirm certain services (for example, boarding reservations). Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card) are not itemised in the school's published fee pages. Summary of key fee figures (selected) - Application fee: EUR 0. Annual matriculation: EUR 1,000. One-time entrance: EUR 2,500. Preschool annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Elementary annual published total: EUR 15,900 (or EUR 14,310 single payment). Middle School annual published total: EUR 17,900 (or EUR 16,110 single payment). High School (9–10) annual published total: EUR 20,900 (or EUR 18,810 single payment). Pre-University (11–12) annual published total: EUR 21,900 (or EUR 19,710 single payment). Online-only annual published total: EUR 13,900 (or EUR 12,510 single payment). Boarding residence examples: Premium residence EUR 25,000 (10 months) / Comfort residence EUR 18,000 (10 months). Meal plan: EUR 215 / month (with Preschool & Elementary tuition listings shown as including the meal plan).	Fee details Application Fees - One-time non-refundable application fee for all new applicants: EUR 250. Legacy (Admission) Fee - One-time non-refundable Legacy Fee for new students: EUR 4,000. Tuition and Mandatory Academic Fees (by school level) - Elementary School (1st–5th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 13,330. - Tuition (semester): EUR 6,665. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program: included in the Elementary fee. - Materials & Books (one-off, per academic year or semester): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. - Middle School (6th–8th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 11,550. - Tuition (semester): EUR 5,775. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program (annual / semester): EUR 3,320 / EUR 1,660 (mandatory except where the student is enrolled in an ES Academy tennis program that includes these services). - Materials & Books (one-off): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. - High School (9th–12th grade): - Tuition (annual): EUR 12,720. - Tuition (semester): EUR 6,360. - Physical Education & Enrichment Program (annual / semester): EUR 3,320 / EUR 1,660 (mandatory except where the student is enrolled in an ES Academy tennis program that includes these services). - Materials & Books (one-off): EUR 520. - Activities Fee (annual / semester): EUR 460 / EUR 230. - Library Fee (annual / semester): EUR 90 / EUR 45. Total Compulsory Annual School Fees (examples) - New student (enrolled in ES Academy tennis program): - Elementary: EUR 18,650. - Middle: EUR 16,870. - High: EUR 18,040. - New student (not an ES Academy tennis player): - Elementary: EUR 18,650 (components sum to the same level as above for Elementary). - Middle: EUR 20,190. - High: EUR 21,360. - Returning student (enrolled in ES Academy tennis program): - Elementary: EUR 14,400. - Middle: EUR 12,620. - High: EUR 13,790. - Returning student (not an ES Academy tennis player): - Elementary: EUR 15,940. - Middle: EUR 17,110. - High: (referenced totals are provided in the school fee schedule). Optional Services and Ancillary Charges - Buffet Lunch (ES Academy service): annual / fall term / spring term / daily: EUR 2,500 / EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,500 / EUR 15 per meal. - Daily Transportation (one-way): annual / fall / spring / daily: EUR 1,500 / EUR 600 / EUR 900 / EUR 10 per ride. - Daily Transportation (roundtrip): annual / fall / spring / daily: EUR 2,500 / EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,500 / EUR 20 per roundtrip. - ES Academy Energy Point: annual / fall / spring: EUR 500 / EUR 200 / EUR 300. - ES Academy tennis training: fees are set under separate ES Academy program schedules. - Private tutorials: EUR 55 per class. - Additional fees related to residence card processing, medical insurance (where applicable), NIE/EU registry, and similar administrative processes are charged separately through ES Academy services. Learning Support Fees (where required) - Support Plan A: Fall term EUR 900; Spring term EUR 1,300. - Support Plan B: Fall term EUR 1,300; Spring term EUR 1,900. - ELL Language Support: Fall term EUR 700; Spring term EUR 1,000. Reservation Deposit - Non-refundable reservation deposit: EUR 2,000 payable within two weeks after admission. This deposit is credited toward second-semester tuition and textbooks/materials and becomes a penalty (non-refundable) if the student withdraws before the second semester of the current academic year (unless enrolled for one semester only). Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Standard billing: payments are made in advance each semester, due before 31 August (fall semester) and before 31 December (spring semester). A 3% reduction on tuition only applies if payment for the complete academic year is made before 31 August. - Installment payment plan (available on request in writing): requires the non-refundable EUR 2,000 reservation deposit and four scheduled payments of the balance (25% each) due prior to 31 August 2026, 1 November 2026, 31 December 2026, and 1 April 2027. An additional fee of 5% is applied to the total tuition for this payment option. Refund Information - Withdrawals are eligible for refunds of tuition and fees according to this schedule: - Before the first day of classes: 100% refund of tuition and applicable fees (Application Fee, Tuition Reservation Deposit, and Legacy Fee are non-refundable). - Within the first 30 calendar days of the semester: 50% refund (students dismissed for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for a refund and parents remain responsible for outstanding fees). - In the second 30 calendar days of the semester: 25% refund. - After the first 60 calendar days of the semester: no refund. Family Reduction - Family Reduction Plan: 5% reduction of tuition only and 5% reduction of the Physical Education Program only for the next sibling enrolled at the same time; 20% reduction of the Legacy Fee for the next sibling. The reduction applies to the tuition of lower value. Tuition reductions are not cumulative. Graduation and Miscellaneous Fees - Graduation fee for Grade 12 students: EUR 420. Accepted Payment Methods and Payment Details - All school fees are payable in euros. - Bank transfer (details provided): payments may be made by bank transfer to Banco Sabadell Atlántico (IBAN: ES11 0081 0025 21 0003225532; SWIFT: BSABESBBXXX). Include the student name on transfer and payer covers any bank charges. Proof of transfer should be emailed to admin@es-school.com. Cash deposit may be made at any Banco Sabadell branch using the same account information. - Credit card payments: accepted via a signed Credit Card Authorization (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) submitted to the school; recurring charges may be authorized via that form. Notes on Mandatory Elements - The Physical Education & Enrichment Program is mandatory for all Middle and High School students unless the student is enrolled in an annual or semi-annual “Tennis + School” program at ES Academy (in which case related charges are handled through ES Academy billing).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements BHS does not operate its own boarding program; it collaborates with premium or comfort student residences next to the campus to provide housing for students aged 15 to 18. Residences are located two minutes from campus. A Mobility Program is available and is the mandatory requirement to obtain a Spanish student visa for non-EU minors.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Boarding meal plan (7 days a week): Breakfast 250€ per month; Dinner 375€ per month; Breakfast and Dinner 650€ per month. Premium residences also include breakfast.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Owned and operated by International American School, LLC. Accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, the Barcelona Education Consortium, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), and the American International Accreditation Association of Schools and Colleges (AIAASC).	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details US Curriculum is offered from PK3 through 12th grade, with 9th–12th in High School. The program culminates in a US High School Diploma. The High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Barcelona Education Department, enabling admission to Spanish and international universities. AP courses are part of the program; BHS is the AP Exam Center for Europe, College Board approved, and offers a range of AP courses. The academic year runs September through June. AP courses include Biology, Calculus AB/BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English Language and Composition, European History, US History, World History, Physics 1, Psychology, Spanish Language, and US Government and Politics; NCAA-approved courses are available.	Curriculum details The school offers three academic levels: Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), and High School (grades 9–12). The Elementary Program is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The curriculum is within the framework of the American educational system. The Middle School program emphasizes creativity, inquiry, and teamwork to prepare students for high school. The High School program is university-preparatory and leads to an American High School Diploma, with students able to homologate to the Spanish system for university access. The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of its program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University and Futures Counseling is a four-year program for Grades 9–12 that provides personalized university advising. Students use Unifrog to explore universities, prepare applications, and plan career paths; visits from international university representatives and campus tours are organized. Students apply to universities globally, including Spain, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the UK, the US, and Canada; the BHS Profile lists universities where graduates have been admitted.	Higher education progression Graduates attend universities around the world. Notable destinations include New York University, UCLA, Columbia University, Cornell University, Emory University, ESADE, University of Miami, University of Florida, and others. The university placement program includes college counseling, SAT preparation, and the school functions as an official SAT Test Center. The NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA guidelines are observed to assist student-athletes in college admissions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Learning Support (LS) embraces neurodiversity and provides resources and strategies to support a range of needs; support is highly individualized and may include personalized learning plans, accommodations, and small-group interventions. LS also works to challenge high-achieving students and to foster academic, social, and emotional growth in collaboration with other wellbeing and ELL teams.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes student mental health and social development alongside academics, with dedicated social-emotional support as part of its overall approach.	Social & emotional learning The school promotes strong values through its 'Character Matters'. Students are expected to show respect, effort and discipline and display integrity, humility and international mindedness. The approach reinforces intellectual and social awareness within a nurturing environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides learning support as part of its program for student needs and diverse learning profiles.	Special educational needs (SEN) All students receive individualized attention, close academic guidance and personal counseling. A Guidance Counselor is on staff to support student needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction, with intensive Spanish and Catalan courses available; English immersion and an English Foundation Year are offered for non-native English speakers; Elementary School provides a full Spanish–English immersion program.	English as an additional language The language of instruction is English. New students for whom English is not their native language take an English Placement Test during the first week; students whose results indicate insufficient English proficiency will take additional language support classes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental health and emotional confidence are central to the school's social wellness philosophy, with programs and staff to support well-being alongside academics.	Mental wellbeing Personal counseling is available and a Guidance Counselor supports student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are integrated into the school's policies and practices.	Safeguarding The Anti-discrimination Policy states ES American School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview T. E. A. Creativity Hub is a dedicated facility at Carrer de Montseny 22 in the Gracia neighbourhood of Barcelona. TEA stands for Technology, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts, including painting, music, film and performing arts. The Hub is a central part of the BHS school experience and hosts after-school and weekend extracurricular activities. The school is located in Gracia, a central Barcelona district. Barcelona High School provides an innovative digital lesson platform to complete course assignments and lessons.	Facilities overview The school has a campus set in a beautiful, tree-lined environment with abundant green spaces. The school has tennis courts, padel courts and a fully equipped gym, along with other sports facilities. The Mulberry Tree Walk leads to the XIX Century Masia building, the swimming pool, a professional restaurant and a large pond. The school has a horse riding facility on campus. The campus is located about 20 minutes from downtown Barcelona, offering an oasis from city life.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has tennis courts, padel courts and a fully equipped gym on campus, with other sports facilities. The school has world-class tennis facilities, coaches and physiotherapy services available through the Emilio Sánchez Academy. The school has a Sports Science Facility to promote health, training and athletic performance for student-athletes. The school has nutrition services providing meals prepared daily with fresh, local produce and nutrition education.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities BHS follows the American curriculum with fully accredited US curriculum courses. BHS is the AP Exam Center for Europe, approved by the College Board, and offers AP courses including Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, English and more. AP courses are included in tuition for BHS students; non-BHS students may take AP exams here with a separate fee. Upon completion of 12th grade, students receive an American High School Diploma. 1-on-1 tutor support and university counseling are available.	Academic facilities The library provides texts in English, Spanish and Catalan. The Science Lab is equipped with hands-on materials for hypothesis, experimentation, analysis and exploration. Lessons are taught using real-world applications whenever possible.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Model United Nations (MUN); STEM; Art; Music; Film; Chess; Entrepreneurship; Makeup; Yearbook; Field trips.	Extra curricular facilities The school has an on-campus horse riding facility used by some students. Through the Emilio Sánchez Academy, ES American School students access world-class tennis facilities, coaching and physiotherapy services. The campus supports athletics with on-site gym and tennis facilities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Barcelona High School (BHS) was founded in Spain in 2024 with the Spanish Ministry of Education and began with 5 students. It was founded by American entrepreneur and Harvard graduate Akida Mashaka to address failures of traditional education. The school now has over 500 students across two campuses in Barcelona. It is accredited as an American school by the Spanish Ministry of Education and as a US curriculum school. The BHS Method, Build. Harvest. Succeed., guides its pedagogy and the school emphasizes social and emotional wellbeing alongside academics.	History Since 1999, ES American School has offered an outstanding education. Our students represent over 40 nationalities, and we empower them to be lifelong learners and to excel as flexible, creative, critical thinkers, prepared to succeed in our culturally diverse, rapidly changing world. With campuses in Barcelona, Spain and Naples, Florida, USA, the school offers an independent, coeducational, American elementary, middle and high school program for students from 1st to 12th grade. The curriculum follows the Florida Department of Education guidelines, while benefiting from the diverse cultures represented to bring a global perspective to the curriculum. Students receive individualized attention, close academic guidance and personal counseling to ensure both academic competencies and the development of individual strengths and talents.
Community	Community Two campuses serve the K–12 program: middle and high school on a new secondary campus in District 22@, Poblenou, and a primary campus in Gracia for elementary and preschool. It emphasizes social and emotional wellbeing as part of its Social Wellness School identity and aims to foster a global, inclusive community. The PGA serves as a liaison between families and administration and holds meetings to discuss pedagogy, community-building events, teacher appreciation, and fundraising.	Community ES American School fosters a sense of community through Student Life programs. Students are organized into eight Spirit Houses to promote teamwork, leadership, and constructive competition, culminating in Spirit Day and Mental Mania. The school hosts a range of special events throughout the year, including Halloween Festivities, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Calçotada Luncheon, Multicultural Fair, and Writers' Fair. Off-campus excursions provide field-trip experiences around Barcelona for all grades, supervised by teachers to support community-building and lasting memories. The Student Council and Eco Committee, along with a Monthly Newsletter, support student-led activities and communication across the school.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PGA is made up of grade-level representatives and general members. Parents and guardians volunteer to be the liaison between the administration and their grade level to ensure information is communicated in grade-level chats and forums. The PGA holds meetings to engage with BHS staff, learn about school pedagogy, and discuss community-building events, teacher appreciation, fundraising efforts. The PGA also supports school life and fosters active parent and guardian involvement.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual US-based curriculum with a US High School Diploma. AP courses are offered across multiple subjects, and BHS is an AP Exam Center for Europe, allowing any AP exam to be taken at the school. The diploma provides access to Spanish and international universities, and the program is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education; accreditation also includes WASC, NCPSA, and AIAASC.	Academic & intellectual Science Fair is part of ES American School's academic life, with ESIS Science Fair 2016 highlighted as an example. The school also hosts a university fair, the BISA&CIS University Fair, hosted by ES International School, Sanchez-Casal. These events emphasize science and higher education opportunities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative BHS runs the T.E.A. Creativity Hub, for Technology, Entrepreneurship, and the Arts, with after-school and weekend creativity activities such as painting, music, film and performing arts. The Hub is located in Gracia at Carrer de Montseny 22. Extracurricular Activities include Model UN, STEM, Art, Music, Film, Chess, Entrepreneurship, Yearbook and more.	Arts & creative Writers' Fair and Talent Show are prominent arts events in ES American School's student life. Writers' Fair appears in the graduation-related content, and ESIS Talent Show is noted as well.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Preschool and Kindergarten offer bilingual English–Spanish instruction; Elementary School offers tri-lingual education in English, Spanish, and Catalan; Grades 7–10 follow the ESO program to attend Spanish universities; in high school there is an intensive Spanish course, including AP Spanish Language & Culture, and a Summer Intensive Spanish Course. BHS Elementary is a tri-lingual school and BHS Preschool is bilingual.	Cultural & language Multicultural Fair is a featured cultural event, and celebrations such as Calçotada Luncheon, Halloween Festivities, and Thanksgiving Luncheon are observed at the school. These events bring together students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular Activities include Model United Nations (MUN), STEM, Art, Music, Film, Chess, Entrepreneurship, Yearbook, Manga, Esports, and more. Clubs and activities are listed under Extracurricular Activities and include field trips and diverse groups.	Social & hobbies An extensive calendar includes excursions off-campus to experience Barcelona and its surroundings. After-school clubs are available, alongside traditional social events such as Spirit Week and Pancake Day.
Community & service	Community & service Community Service is offered as part of clubs and activities. Barcelona High School promotes a community-centered ethos as a Social Wellness School, prioritizing community and psychological well-being, guided by values such as Community and Ubuntu.	Community & service The Student Council leads community-service efforts and fundraising, including activities that raise money for local charities. Panellet Bake Sale and other student-led fundraisers are part of these community initiatives.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The leadership team includes Amanda Slefo, Director of Middle & High School; Akida Mashaka, Founder and President of the Governing Board; Niki Savva, Director of Elementary & Preschool; and Kate Bonato, Director of Admissions. Leadership and Career Counseling Programs nurture leadership, help identify aptitudes and interests, and provide guidance for higher education and future careers.	Leadership & professional Spirit Houses organize leadership modules and culminate in competitions like Spirit Day and Mental Mania. The Student Council provides formal leadership roles for elected student leaders each year. Past presidents and leadership timelines are highlighted on the Student Council pages.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Barcelona High School prioritizes social and emotional well-being as part of its Social Wellness School model, balancing academics with social life and mental health support. The mission states the school helps students academically, socially, and psychologically, with flexible academic and emotional support structures.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Physical Education program is five hours per week and includes tennis training, with high-performance tennis on campus to support athletic development. The ESA motto emphasizes opportunities in tennis, education, and life, underscoring a focus on student-athlete wellbeing. The school also promotes a healthy environment and sustainability through eco initiatives and values like Character Matters.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches courses in English. The Elementary School is trilingual (English, Spanish, Catalan). Spanish and Catalan language courses are offered, including four levels and Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture. There is also a Summer Intensive Spanish Course.	Language provision English is the language of instruction for English/Language Arts and other core subjects, aligned to US Common Core standards. Spanish and Catalan are taught as immersion language classes in Elementary, with instruction delivered by native speakers. Foreign languages are part of graduation requirements with two credits.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has a trilingual elementary program in English, Spanish, and Catalan. The preschool is bilingual in English and Spanish. English is the language of instruction for courses, and there is an Intensive English Program for non-native speakers across early childhood to high school.	Bilingual teaching Spanish and Catalan language classes are offered at native and non-native levels, with Spanish and Catalan courses delivered as immersion programs taught by native language speakers.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The school has English immersion and an English Foundation Year for non-native English speakers. The Elementary School provides a full Spanish and English immersion program. There is an Intensive English Program for non-native English speakers from early childhood through high school.	Immersion programs Spanish and Catalan language classes are 100% immersion and taught by native language speakers.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations MSA-CESS (Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools) accreditation; Centro Extranjero (foreign school) recognition by the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Spanish Ministry of Education; MAIS (Mediterranean Association of International Schools) member; BISA (Barcelona International Schools Association) member.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Admission is open year-round. In-person or online meeting with BHS Admissions; enrollment documentation (official school transcripts and translations if required, passport/identification, etc.); payment of a one-time entrance fee; payment of the annual matriculation fee; if applicable, start your student visa process with a BHS matriculation letter; and first month's tuition payment or one total payment for a discount.	Admissions 1. Submit a completed Application for Admission and all required materials. The application requires official transcripts for the last three academic years in the original language with an official certified English translation when applicable, and the transcripts must be uploaded in PDF format. An application fee of 250 euros is required. The school processes the Application for Admission only after all requirements are received and originals may need to be mailed by post or courier. 2. The language of instruction is English. New students whose native language is not English take the English Placement Test during the first week of attendance; students whose test results indicate insufficient English proficiency will be required to take English-language support classes suitable to their abilities. 3. Admissions: Students may join in fall or spring; full-year applicants have priority in the admission process. Twelfth grade students, in order to fulfill graduation requirements, must attend the full academic year. No admission decision is made until all application requirements have been submitted. 4. After admission, an official acceptance letter is issued. Please pay the €2,000 non-refundable reservation deposit. The visa process may take 1-2 months and is handled through the nearest Spanish Consulate; EU citizens do not need a visa. If visa is denied or attendance is canceled, tuition and accommodation fees are refunded with the exception of the reservation deposit. Upon arrival in Barcelona, the student must obtain a Spanish Student Residence Card and provide the required documents (passport, visa stamp, immigration entry date, health insurance, etc.).
Scholarships	Scholarships Financial aid scholarships are available for Catalan and Spanish students living in Barcelona who cannot afford to attend BHS. Financial aid is available to Spanish passport students who do not have the means to pay all tuition.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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