Imagine Montessori School - Valencia vs Second Body Montessori

	I Imagine Montessori School - Valencia Valencia, Spain	S Second Body Montessori Valencia, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €5,860 - 9,640	Fees / year €7,850 - 9,300
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 80
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 7
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 2016	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Valencia, Spain. The La Pinada campus is located at Calle Melissa 46, Lloma Llarga, Paterna (46980), in the Valencia metropolitan area. The campus is surrounded by nature and designed with sustainability in mind.	Location The school is located at Plaza Rodrigo Botet 6, 46002 Valencia, Spain. It is a bilingual Montessori school serving children, families and educators in Valencia.
Stages	Stages Infant Community (20 months - 3 years); Children's House (3-6 years); Primary (6-12 years); Secondary & Pre-University (12-18 years)	Stages Lower Elementary (ages 6-9); Upper Elementary (ages 9-12); Secondary Education (ages 12+).
School type	School type Private secular mixed Montessori school located in Paterna, Valencia region; follows the British curriculum; recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education.	School type The school is a bilingual Montessori school (Spanish/English).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British; follows the curriculum and guidelines of the United Kingdom Department of Education, recognised by the Spanish Education Ministry.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Secular	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Learning environments open to children at all times.
Bus service details	Bus service details Summer Camp bus service operates between Valencia and Imagine La Pinada (Paterna). Route 1 runs Valencia to Imagine La Pinada with stops including Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, Corte Inglés (Av. de Francia), Gran Vía, Plaza España, and ends at Imagine La Pinada at 8:50. The return route runs from Imagine La Pinada to Valencia with multiple stops, starting at 16:30 and finishing around 17:25, including stops at L'Hemisferic and Plaza España. The La Pinada address is Calle Melissa 46, Lloma Llarga, Paterna.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Admission Fees - Admission (new enrolment, first year): EUR 2,100. - Enrolment (first child): EUR 630; second child: EUR 420; third child: no amount shown (blank on the published list). - Re-enrolment to secure a place for the following school year: EUR 395 (first child: EUR 361; second child: EUR 316; third child: amount blank on the published list). Tuition fees by school stage (monthly amount and billing frequency) - Infant Community (Full day or Reduced day: 9:00–16:40 or 9:00–15:00): EUR 831 per month (billed as 10 instalments per year). Morning sessions only (9:00–12:00, for 2-year-olds): EUR 586 per month (10 instalments/year). Description covers tuition, materials and meals/snacks. - Children's House (3–6 years) (Full day or Reduced day: 9:00–16:40 or 9:00–15:00): EUR 831 per month (10 instalments/year). Description covers tuition, materials and meals/snacks. - Primary (6–12 years) (Full day 9:00–16:40): EUR 890 per month (10 instalments/year). Description covers tuition, materials and meals/snacks. - Secondary / Pre-University (9:00–16:40): - Year 7 to 9: EUR 947 per month (10 instalments/year). - Year 10 to 11: EUR 951 per month (10 instalments/year). - Year 12 to 13 (Baccalaureate / A-Levels): EUR 964 per month (10 instalments/year). Note: books and Cambridge/iGCSE/A-Level exam fees for Years 10–13 are charged in addition where applicable. Annual totals (calculated from published instalments) - Annual tuition = published monthly figure × 10 instalments. Examples: - Infant / Children's House: EUR 831 × 10 = EUR 8,310 per academic year. - Primary: EUR 890 × 10 = EUR 8,900 per academic year. - Secondary Year 7–9: EUR 947 × 10 = EUR 9,470 per academic year. Year 12–13: EUR 964 × 10 = EUR 9,640 per academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in 10 instalments per year (the published amounts are shown per instalment/month). Early payment of the yearly fees and school supplies (and annual transport, if applicable) qualifies for a 2% discount on the total value. Multi-child discounts apply (see Discounts). Discounts and sibling reductions - Early payment discount: 2% off the total when paying the yearly fee and school supplies (and annual transport if applicable). - Second child: 8.5% discount on the school monthly fee and school supplies. - Third child: 20% discount on the school monthly fee and school supplies. Additional services and fees - School transport (annual contract rates shown as monthly): return trip EUR 175/month; one-way trip EUR 110/month (prices shown are based on a contract for the whole school year). - Nap materials (annual): EUR 95 per year (includes individual cot with fitted sheet and yearly cleaning irrespective of period of use). - Early Bird (before-school care): monthly option EUR 65; single session EUR 4. - Afternoon Club (after-school care): monthly option EUR 80; single session EUR 5.50. Sessions run from 16:40 to 18:00 on a daily basis with no prior notice required for single sessions. - Secondary & Baccalaureate: books and official Cambridge exam fees for iGCSE and A-Levels (Years 10–13) are charged in addition. Field trips and other activities carry additional charges announced during the academic year. Uniforms and other routine costs - Uniform costs are not itemised in the published fee schedule. Charges for books, exam fees (Years 10–13), trips and certain activities are listed as additional where applicable. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; there is no published boarding provision or boarding tariff in the school's fee schedule. Refund information - A specific refund policy or refund amounts (for withdrawal, partial attendance, or early termination) is not published within the school's fee schedule. Parents should note that re-enrolment and admission charges are presented as non-zero amounts but no public refund terms are specified in the published fees document. Fee payment options - The published fee page lists instalment frequency and discounts but does not itemise accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit, etc.). Payment method options are not specified on the published fee schedule. Notes on items not published in the fee schedule - The published fee information includes instalment amounts, admission/enrolment fees, re-enrolment fees, discounts, transport and ancillary services, but does not itemise accepted payment methods or a formal refund policy; it also does not list specific uniform prices. Where amounts appear blank (for the third child in certain lines), the published schedule shows no value.	Fee details Application / Enrollment Fee - New enrolment (one-time) fee: EUR 840. Tuition fees by stage / year group (published amounts and billing unit) - Lower Elementary (Ages 6–9, Grades 1–3): EUR 785 per month. - Upper Elementary (Ages 9–12, Grades 4–6): EUR 785 per month. - Adolescent / Secondary Programme (Ages 12+, Grades 7–10): EUR 930 per month. - Summer school fee (per session): EUR 660. What the fees include - The one-time enrolment fee covers student accident insurance, administrative fees, onboarding and orientation (including parent education), student language evaluation and placement, and an annual individual family meeting with the director. - The published annual tuition charge covers the education fee, the food plan (lunch and morning/afternoon snacks), and materials fees. Additional costs / optional services - Summer School (separate fee): EUR 660. - Overnight trips, class excursions and extra‑curricular activities incur additional charges when they occur. - Morning care (before-school care 08:00–09:00): additional cost EUR 40 per month (fixed) or EUR 5 per day. Discounts and payment allowances - Sibling discounts on tuition: second child 8.5% reduction; third child 10% reduction. - Annual payment in full: 2% discount on tuition when paid in a single annual payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - The published tuition figures are presented as a monthly amount (monthly billing unit). An option to pay the full year in a single payment is offered (with a 2% discount). Specific term-length billing (per-term instalments, dates, late‑payment penalties, or notice periods) is not detailed in the published fee summary. Boarding fees - Boarding: not applicable — there is no published boarding programme or boarding fee for the school; the school operates services such as morning care and after‑school activities. Uniforms and personal equipment - There is no published uniform fee in the school's fees materials; uniform requirements or associated costs are not listed in the published fee summary. Extraneous personal items or special clothing for trips or activities would be charged as applicable. Refund information - No general refund schedule for enrolment or tuition is published in the school's public fee summary; refunds or cancellations are handled under the school's enrolment/administration policies. Fee payment options - Published materials indicate the school accepts monthly tuition payments and offers an annual‑in‑full payment option (2% discount). Specific payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) are not published in the fee summary; families may arrange payment details with the school administration. Summary (key figures) - Enrolment (one‑time): EUR 840. - Elementary tuition: EUR 785 per month. - Secondary tuition: EUR 930 per month. - Morning care: EUR 40 per month or EUR 5 per day (additional). - Summer school: EUR 660 (additional). (For administrative contact or to arrange specific payment methods, the school lists an email and telephone contact.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school provides three nutritious, non-processed meals daily (morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack) using organic, seasonal and 0km produce, with one vegetarian day per week and accommodations for health- or personal-diet restrictions (gluten-free, allergies, vegetarian, vegan) with appropriate certificates. Mealtimes are in classrooms, children help set the table and serve, and meals are prepared on-site by the cook Carmen.	Food options On-site kitchen provides home-cooked, balanced meals prepared daily; the menu is nutritious and suitable for students' dietary needs; snacks and meals are shared as part of community.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The project will be accredited by Spain's Ministry of Education and NEASC; AMS accreditation is being pursued.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Montessori pedagogy informs the school's approach within the British curriculum. It serves students from 20 months through 18 years. The education is inspired by AMI principles. Students work toward iGCSEs and A-Levels. The school is accepted by the Spanish Ministry of Education.	Curriculum details Montessori-based curriculum with bilingual English/Spanish instruction. Two Montessori-trained guides, one in Spanish and one in English, deliver overlapping instruction in all academic subjects. The curriculum covers language, mathematics, geometry, biology, history and geography and is supported by the Common Core for a cohesive program. Learning emphasizes project work and longer uninterrupted work periods; going-out experiences engage students with the wider community. Specialists in Art, Handwork, Physical Education, Music/Movement Arts and Valenciano contribute to the program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression iGCSEs and A-Levels are available, guiding graduates to universities in the UK, Spain, and worldwide.	Higher education progression Graduates will be prepared to continue in the Spanish school system or transfer to American or International schools.
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 follows the Montessori approach, supporting the whole child. Daily work and coexistence build cognitive, emotional and social abilities. The curriculum emphasises developing autonomy, the ability to resolve conflicts, cooperation and self-discipline. Students also develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving, with creative and entrepreneurial spirit, and the use of new technology as learning tools. There is a strong commitment to human and democratic values and a high level of English.	Social & emotional learning The school prioritizes social and emotional development within its Montessori program. Students are guided to live in harmony with the world (physically and emotionally) and to live in community, fostering cooperation and authentic connection. The mission emphasizes moving toward an individual Cosmic Task through hands-on and relevant learning experiences, supporting self-awareness and empathy. Peace education is integrated into Cosmic Education, helping students understand interconnectedness and responsible action. Regular experiential learning, including going-outs to museums and cultural institutions, and student-led projects, strengthens collaboration and social skills.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and an SEN Assistant are on the staff.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language There are English language specialists on staff, including an ESL teacher and English teachers.	English as an additional language The educational program is bilingual – English/Spanish – and biliterate and bicultural. Two Montessori-trained guides deliver overlapping instruction in all academic subjects, one in Spanish and one in English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is central to the education, addressed through a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. Daily work and life at the school build cognitive, emotional and social abilities, while autonomy, conflict resolution and cooperation support personal growth.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the schools emphasis on peace education, respect, and authentic connections as part of Cosmic Education. The educational project emphasizes emotional and social growth, aligning with the focus on student well-being and personal development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A whistleblowing channel is available to report concerns.	Safeguarding The Privacy Policy indicates data protection and security measures, including video surveillance to ensure the security of the facilities, with video footage retained for thirty days. The policy outlines users rights, security commitments, and contact details for exercising rights and reporting concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Spaces are prepared environments designed to support concentration, independence, and personalised learning. The interiors and exteriors are open-plan, with classrooms opening onto private outdoor terraces facing a pine forest, allowing learning to continue in nature when possible. Early Years and Primary spaces provide over 100 m² of space per classroom and five learning areas: Sensorial, Practical Life, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural Studies. The environments aim to foster autonomy and meaningful connections—with oneself, others, and the world around. The Secondary and Sixth Form spaces are currently under construction and will include spacious, naturally lit classrooms, social areas, science labs, an art studio, a music room, a library (Learning Resource Centre), a Makers Lab, a multimedia room, a dining hall/cafeteria, and outdoor spaces integrated with the surrounding environment.	Facilities overview The school is located in the center of Valencia. It has Montessori classroom environments, a Hands-on Workshop, an Art Workshop, a Café/Gallery Space, and a School Garden. Learning environments are open to children at all times, and mentorships for secondary students are part of the program. Specialists in Art, Handwork, Physical Education, Music/Movement Arts and Valenciano support learning within the school.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Heated Swimming Pool for students aged 6 to 14; an Athletics Field for events including 60m, 200m, 400m, and 800m races, long jump, high jump, shot put, and relays; two full-size Football Pitches; an Indoor Sports Hall for handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and indoor football; and an Outdoor Basketball Court.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Montessori Environments: Early Years and Primary classrooms are designed to promote concentration, independence, and personalised learning, with over 100 m² of space and five learning areas; the classroom entry leads to a vestibule with lockers and benches, and each room opens onto a private outdoor terrace facing the pine forest. The Forest: A Woodland Within the School connects the curriculum with nature, promoting independence, resilience, and environmental awareness. Art Studio: A dedicated space for free expression and creative development, nestled in nature to nurture creativity within the Montessori approach. Performing Arts: Music and Expression provides an integrated process for music, theatre, and dance, fostering self-expression and teamwork. Science Laboratory: A space for experimentation and learning in physics, chemistry, and biology. La Pinada Lab: A collaborative space that brings together Zubi Labs' venture builder companies and the educational environment for students aged 16 to 18, hosting them during the 2025/2026 academic year.	Academic facilities Two Montessori trained guides work with English and Spanish, delivering overlapping instruction in all academic subjects. Specialists in Art, Handwork, Physical Education, Music/Movement Arts and Valenciano support integrated exploration and project work. Montessori materials are used to teach language, mathematics, geometry, biology, history and geography, with the Montessori curriculum supported by the Common Core framework. Learning environments are Montessori-based and designed for mixed-age groups.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Performing Arts: Music and Expression offers an integrated arts experience with rhythm, movement, and voice to foster self-expression and teamwork. Art Studio provides a space for free expression and creative development. The outdoor playground and forest enable nature-based exploration, while the Secondary spaces include a Makers Lab for hands-on making. La Pinada Lab serves as a collaborative space bringing together venture-builder activities and education for older students, supporting real-world experiences.	Extra curricular facilities Regular Going-Outs to museums, cultural institutions, supermarkets, historic areas and neighborhood centers enable learning beyond the classroom. The program includes Community Engagement, Service Learning, Micro-Business, Going-Outs, and student-produced projects such as podcasts, blogs and visual accounts. The School Garden and Farm‑to‑Table activities are part of the programming, along with Work Experience in the School's Café and Valencian Local Events & Activities. Specialists provide Art, Handwork, Physical Education, Music/Movement Arts and Valenciano to enrich learning outside standard class time.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Imagine Montessori School began in Valencia in 2016 by three families who were seeking the best for their children. It is a private secular college educating children from 20 months to 18 years, using Montessori pedagogy within the British curriculum and is accepted by the Spanish Ministry of Education. It is made up of a team of professionals with diverse areas of expertise and now boasts a community of more than 350 students and their families. The founders are Iker Marcaide, Irene Cañero and Mariano Pontón.	History Second Body Montessori Valencia is led by founder and director Tess Igarta, who has over 10 years of Montessori experience and has lived in Valencia since 2015. The school is a bilingual Spanish/English Montessori program for children born in 2018 or older, featuring mixed-age classrooms and project-based learning that extends beyond the traditional work cycle. The founder presents the school as a passion project guided by Montessori tenets, emphasizing lifelong learning as a core aim. Graduates will qualify to continue in the Spanish school system or transfer to American or international schools.
Community	Community The school has an engaged community of families who participate in the learning process and in Imagine Community. Families have an active role in the school's life and in events, celebrations, pedagogical sessions and assemblies. The school-family relationship is fundamental for the holistic education of our children.	Community The Second Body Community is guided by the ‘second body' concept, which frames care for others as part of a connected circle. The community emphasizes Cosmic Education and interdependence among students, families, and staff, aligning with Montessori principles that connect learning to humanity and the world. The school's central Valencia location enables regular ‘going-outs'—performing real-world learning outside the classroom walls—as part of its approach. There are opportunities to join the team and participate in collaborations, and families can stay informed through a newsletter and related communications.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school runs Weekend Family Experiences, known as Parent Enrichment Sessions, to support children's development within a family and educational environment. These sessions, held on Saturdays, address topics from emotional wellbeing to healthy relationships and empathy, and provide practical tools to strengthen family life; some workshops are offered in Spanish and English. Programs include Reflecting Together for families with children aged 6–18, Positive Discipline in Early Childhood for families with children 0–6, and Exploring Montessori with Babies for families with babies 6–24 months, led by school specialists. Prices are €30 for a single participant and €50 for two people, with discounts for booking multiple sessions; registration is via an online form. Sessions are designed to be reflective, practical and respectful, and some include a participation certificate.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) pedagogy, offering a holistic education for children aged 20 months to 18 years. It follows the curriculum and guidelines set by the UK Department of Education and Skills, recognised by the Spanish Education Ministry. Daily work and life at the school foster autonomy, conflict resolution, cooperation and self-discipline, helping students think critically and apply learning across real-life situations.	Academic & intellectual The school uses a Montessori-based curriculum with mixed-age learning environments and bilingual instruction in Spanish and English. Learning covers language, mathematics, geometry, biology, history and geography, and is supported by the Common Core curriculum to create a cohesive program.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Enrichment Programme includes Art, Drama, Mixed Gymnastics, Ballet, STEAM/Robotics, Chess, and individual music lessons. Music is delivered through Junior and Senior Music Bands and individual piano instruction, with opportunities to explore core instruments in a band setting. The activities nurture creativity and artistic expression within a bilingual, respectful environment.	Arts & creative Art and music are included in the learning program. The project framework also encompasses bodywork, sports, activism, and artisan and survival skills as part of a well-rounded education.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Imagine Language Academy offers after-school English lessons for ages 3 to 16 and Spanish for non-native speakers, as well as Cambridge exam preparation from A1 Young Learners to C1 Advanced. Cambridge exams available include PET (B1), A1 Foundations, A2 Horizons, B2 Summit (First), C1 Advanced, and B2 Certification (First). The school notes a diverse community with more than 30 nationalities represented.	Cultural & language The school is bilingual in Spanish and English. It emphasizes going-outs to museums and cultural centers in Valencia to connect learning with the local community.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Enrichment activities for various ages include Art, Drama, Mixed Gymnastics, Ballet, STEAM/Robotics, Chess, Padel, Kenpo Karate, Freestyle Skating and Football, with additional options such as Judo and Instrument Lessons. These activities support creativity, collaboration and social development in a bilingual and respectful setting. The programme encourages personal interests and confidence through hands-on experiences.	Social & hobbies Social and emotional development is a core focus, guided by respect for self, others, and the learning process. Activities include art, music, bodywork, sports, and activism to foster collaboration and creativity.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Peace education, activism and collaborative entrepreneurship develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Enrichment Programme supports physical and emotional wellbeing through movement and sport, offering Padel, Kenpo Karate, Mixed Gymnastics and Football. Activities are designed to promote concentration, personal wellbeing and healthy engagement with others. Sessions are designed for ages 3 to 16 and delivered in English or Spanish as appropriate.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Lifelong learning includes art, music, bodywork and sports, along with practical life skills, all within a framework that emphasizes respect and social-emotional growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school follows the British curriculum and Cambridge International iGCSEs and A-Levels. A high level of English is highlighted as a consideration in admissions decisions.	Language provision English and Spanish are the languages of instruction, with a biliterate and bicultural emphasis. Valenciano is included as an integrated area of learning.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Bilingual – Biliterate – Bicultural English/Spanish. Children work with two Montessori-trained guides, one in Spanish and one in English, delivering overlapping instruction in all academic subjects. Integrated areas of exploration and project work are provided by our team of specialists in Art, Handwork, Physical Education, Music/Movement Arts and Valenciano.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Architecture Awards 2024 – finalist (Valencia Plaza). European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Awards 2026 – nomination.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) – education inspired by AMI principles. UK Department of Education and Skills – follows UK curriculum guidelines recognized by the Spanish Education Ministry. UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UK). Oxford AQA – Approved Centre for International Qualifications (Oxford AQA).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The 4 steps of the admission process: 1. Check availability of places: By providing basic information, we check availability and arrange an online meeting or in-person visit to learn about the school and its methodology. 2. Get to know our school: Once availability is confirmed, you can choose a date and time for an online meeting or an in-person visit. 3. Student visit: From entry into Year 1 (5 years old), the prospective student spends time in the classroom to get to know us. 4. Admission outcome and enrolment: After evaluation by the educational team, a recommendation for admission is shared based on English level, academic performance, and potential for adaptation to the group.	Admissions The admissions process is thoughtful and relational. The SBM Admission Inquiry Form is the first step in the admissions journey. The inquiry form typically takes about 45 minutes to complete for each student. You may pause and return to the form if needed. If applying for more than one child, please complete a separate form for each child. Your thoughtful responses guide the next steps and allow for a more meaningful conversation. Open House sessions for the 2026-2027 year are January 31, 2026 at 10:30 AM and February 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Begin the admissions process by completing the form.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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