Barcelona High School - Middle & High School vs ES American School

	B Barcelona High School - Middle & High School Barcelona, Spain	E ES American School Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €13,900 - 21,900	Fees / year €11,470 - 19,355
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 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 6	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 —	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 —	Stages Elementary (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), High School (grades 9–12).
School type	School type —	School type International school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English language support classes for students whose native language is not English.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	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 —	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	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 —	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 —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	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) —	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 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 wellbeing Personal counseling is available and a Guidance Counselor supports student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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