LIFE International School vs Lighthouse American School

	L LIFE International School Madrid, Spain	L Lighthouse American School Madrid, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €5,910 - 9,350	Fees / year €8,900 - 10,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 128	Pupils 111
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2017	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain. LIFE International School is located at Sector Foresta 1, planta 1, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid. A new campus is at Ronda de Poniente 3, Tres Cantos, Madrid.	Location Madrid, Spain. Camino de la Zarzuela, 42, 28023 Madrid.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education with English immersion	Stages Primary Years Programme (PYP).
School type	School type Private international school	School type International school (IB World School) in Madrid.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 34 nationalities represented; the most common nationality is Spanish (52 students); 48 students from other countries.	Pupil nationality mix Diversity of nationalities; students from multiple countries and cultures.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Psycho-pedagogical care and emotional intelligence support; personalized follow-ups.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Affiliation with the United States (American School) and NEASC accreditation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian	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 Administrative & application fees - Admissions fee (new student assessments and interviews): 100€ (one-time, non-refundable). - New student registration: 825€ (one-time; a 200€ discount is offered for registrations completed between Feb 16 and Apr 15). Non-refundable. - Re-registration fee (annual fee for current students): 85€ (annual; payable by February 15; non-refundable). - Operations and educational resources fee: 565€ (annual; does not include individual classroom material lists; non-refundable). - Full uniform starter pack (daily set and jogging suit): 232€ (starting pack; uniform prices subject to change). Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts) Fees are shown as monthly amounts billed across 10 months. The annual total shown is the monthly amount multiplied by 10. - Pre‑K (half‑day, 8:50–13:00, ages 3–4): 447€ / month — Annual equivalent: 4,470€. - Pre‑K (full day, ages 3–4): 526€ / month — Annual equivalent: 5,260€. - Kindergarten (age 5): 622€ / month — Annual equivalent: 6,220€. - Primary Grades 1–3: 682€ / month — Annual equivalent: 6,820€. - Primary Grades 4–6: 738€ / month — Annual equivalent: 7,380€. - Middle School Grades 7–8: 757€ / month — Annual equivalent: 7,570€. - High School Grades 9–10: 803€ / month — Annual equivalent: 8,030€. - High School Grades 11–12: 935€ / month — Annual equivalent: 9,350€. Optional and additional fees - School lunch (full lunch): 145€ / month (monthly). Annual equivalent: 1,450€. - School lunch (hybrid lunch): 80€ / month (monthly). Annual equivalent: 800€. - Early morning or afternoon care (08:00–08:50 / 16:00–17:00): 85€ / month (monthly). Annual equivalent: 850€. - 10‑pass lunch voucher (includes 10 lunches): 100€ (one‑time). - 10‑pass care voucher (includes 10 care sessions): 65€ (one‑time). - 10‑pass lunch and afternoon voucher (for half‑day students): 185€ (one‑time). - Corporate rates: available on request through administration. Uniform prices may change. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as monthly instalments payable over 10 months (monthly amounts shown above). - Specific deadlines noted in the fee schedule include the re‑registration deadline of February 15 for the re‑registration fee and the registration discount window (Feb 16–Apr 15) for new registrations. Several administrative fees are explicitly non‑refundable. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; LIFE International School operates as a day school for early childhood through grade 12. Refund information - The admissions fee, new student registration fee, re‑registration fee and the operations/educational resources fee are described as non‑refundable. Other fees are specified as one‑time or annual where indicated. Fee payment options and administration - Family account management and billing are handled through the school's Family Portal (client RenWeb) and by the school administration; the school provides phone and email contacts for the admissions and front office. Contact details: +34 910 564 436, +34 638 321 749, +34 657 231 725 and hello@lifeschool.es.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - One-time registration fee for new families: EUR 1,500. - Reservation fee for continuing Lighthouse students: 50% of one monthly tuition payment; this amount is deducted from the September tuition. Tuition fees by year group (per month and per academic year) - Pre‑School / Kindergarten (Kindergarten 1–3, ages 3–5): EUR 890 per month (billed September–June); equivalent annual tuition EUR 8,900. - Elementary (Grades 1–5, ages 6–10): EUR 980 per month (billed September–June); equivalent annual tuition EUR 9,800. - Middle School (Grades 6–8, ages 11–13): EUR 1,050 per month (billed September–June); equivalent annual tuition EUR 10,500. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing cadence: monthly billing over ten months (September through June). Monthly amounts are shown above; annual tuition equals the monthly amount × 10. - Reservation fee for current students equals 50% of one monthly fee and is deducted from the September payment. - An early‑payment discount applies when the full annual tuition is paid by the specified early deadline (example shown: a 3% discount for full payment by July 2025). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school for ages 3–14 (no boarding program listed). Other costs and recurring extras - Meals (morning snack and lunch): EUR 195 per month, billed September–June (meal plan covers the school year months). - Uniform: a uniform is required; a specific uniform cost is not published in the available fee information. - Sibling discounts: third enrolled child receives a 30% discount; fourth child receives a 65% discount (specific terms shown in published fee information). - Special arrangements: families who must be absent for extended periods may be eligible for reduced tuition (half price in qualifying circumstances as published). Refunds and cancellation - The publicly available fee schedule lists registration, reservation and tuition amounts and an early‑payment discount, but it does not publish full detailed refund or cancellation terms in the material found. Specific refund policies for registration, reservation or tuition were not available in the publicly posted fee summary. Fee payment options - The fee schedule includes monthly billing and an early‑payment in‑full option, but form(s) of payment (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit card or other accepted payment methods) are not specified in the publicly available fee summary. Payment method details must be confirmed directly with the school. Concise summary of the key figures (academic year shown in published schedule) - Registration (new families): EUR 1,500. - Monthly tuition (Sep–Jun): Pre‑School EUR 890; Elementary EUR 980; Middle School EUR 1,050. Equivalent annual tuitions: EUR 8,900; EUR 9,800; EUR 10,500 respectively. - Meals: EUR 195 per month (Sep–Jun). - Sibling discounts: 3rd child −30%; 4th child −65%. Note on availability of further detail - Published fee documents used for this overview include a school fee schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year that lists the items above (monthly and annual tuition amounts, registration fee, reservation fee, meal cost, sibling discounts and the early‑payment discount). The publicly available fee material does not publish full technical details for refunds, explicit wording of cancellation penalties, or the list of accepted payment methods; those items were not present in the fee summary located during this review.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch is served on site with a monthly lunch menu. A November 2025 menu is published and downloadable.	Food options Lunch is designed in-house by a professional kitchen team; all food is homemade and natural, without ultra-processed products. The menu includes traditional Spanish dishes, with grilled or steamed options.
House system	House system The school has Houses. Each year, students choose a name for their house based on the color of their house (examples include Black Ninjas and Red Dynamites). There is a Spirit Week and Service Week competition, and students earn points for their House for exemplary behavior; currently, students can earn points for reading during March.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details LIFE offers an international program for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary education with English immersion. Early Childhood (Pre-K and Kindergarten, ages 3-5) uses an English immersion curriculum, with a thematically planned program that integrates language development, math, and science within thematic units; it uses guided play, learning centers, music, art, library resources, and emphasizes character development. Elementary (Grades 1-6) includes English, Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, Bible Literacy, and Values; the curriculum integrates Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education; apart from Spanish Language and Culture, all classes are 100% English immersion; cross-curricular units and projects are used. Secondary (Grades 7-12) offers a full international pathway based on an American curriculum taught in English immersion; core subjects include English, Spanish Language and Literature, Spanish Geography and History, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Bible; Art, Music, Technology, Health, and Physical Education are included, with two Spanish classes taught in Spanish. The school is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and can issue a U.S. high school diploma after completing 12th grade; LIFE is registered with the Community of Madrid as a foreign school (License 28078353) and diplomas must be co-validated to enter Spanish universities, with Lengua Castellana y Literatura and Geografía e Historia as required.	Curriculum details Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, with Spanish treated as a second language given special attention. Starting in the third year of elementary, students learn Chinese as a third language. All teachers are American and are accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Lighthouse is NEASC-accredited and is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The campus spans about 4,250 square meters and classes are capped at 18 students, enabling small-group learning and strong teacher–student interaction. The curricular emphasis includes creativity, innovation, complex problem solving, critical thinking, social-emotional intelligence and values; students have opportunities to study in Spain with CAM validation and can pursue American universities through NEASC accreditation.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 5	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The LIFE curriculum prepares students for international university pathways in Spain, the United States, and beyond, through a full American curriculum delivered in English.	Higher education progression Spanish universities are accessible via CAM validation, and U.S. universities are accessible through NEASC accreditation. Lighthouse is a Candidate School for the PYP program, enabling study in about 50 OECD countries.
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 LIFE International School emphasizes Character Development, Collaboration, and Service as core educational areas. The teacher acts as a model and coach who comes alongside each student to stimulate the student's desire and joy of learning, and teamwork is an educational emphasis to prepare students for global leadership. Biblical Integration and values-based learning undergird classroom relationships and personal growth, supporting social-emotional development.	Social & emotional learning Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, with special attention. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. A committee of experts advises on topics including health and nutrition, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, sport, and art to ensure a high-quality standard.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Classes are small to accommodate needs for hands-on learning, language support, and individualized support for special learning needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English Immersion: Classes are taught in English by teachers who are certified to teach non-native students. Students with different levels of English learn in the same class with their peers. Individualized English instruction and support is provided to help students achieve fluency in content areas. Spanish language and culture are taught in primary courses.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Emotional intelligence is a focus of the Continuous Training Plan. Psychological well-being is a focus of the expert advisory committee within the plan. The plan also covers health and nutrition, sport, and art. Continuous training ensures teachers stay up to date with pedagogical innovations and educational trends to support wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding LIFE emphasizes a safe, nurturing, supportive environment with a warm community. The school fosters respect for others, kindness, leadership, and conflict resolution rooted in empathy, and teachers care for students beyond academics.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview New Campus: Ronda de Poniente 3, Tres Cantos. LIFE International School serves Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary education with English immersion. The school provides a lunch service with a monthly lunch menu. The campus is located in Tres Cantos, Madrid.	Facilities overview Day-to-day life at Lighthouse American School Madrid is conducted in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, and Chinese is taught as a third language beginning in the third year of elementary. The school is NEASC-accredited and follows the IB Primary Years Programme, with CAM validation enabling study in Spanish universities and NEASC enabling access to American universities. Technology supports learning by creating collaborative learning environments and by enabling parents to monitor daily progress.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities An American curriculum is delivered in English immersion across Early Childhood through Secondary. Early Childhood (Pre-K & Kindergarten, ages 3-5) is taught in English immersion with language development and thematic units integrating reading, math, science, and social skills. The Elementary program covers Grades 1-6 with English immersion in all classes except two Spanish classes; core subjects include English, Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, Bible Literacy, and Values, with cross-curricular integration of Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education. Secondary School (Grades 7-12) provides a full international pathway, preparing students for universities in Spain, the United States, and beyond; core subjects include English, Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Bible, and additional subjects like Art, Music, Technology, Health, and Physical Education; all classes except two Spanish classes are 100% English immersion. LIFE is fully accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is authorized to issue a U.S. high school diploma after 12th grade. LIFE is registered with the Spanish government as a foreign school in Spain and authorized by the Community of Madrid (License 28078353).	Academic facilities Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, and teachers are American and accredited by US universities with ongoing professional development. The school uses technology to create collaborative learning environments and to help parents follow daily progress. It is NEASC-accredited and offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), providing recognition that supports study in many OECD countries. CAM validation allows study at Spanish universities, and NEASC accreditation supports access to American universities. Spanish is enhanced as a core language program, with Chinese added as a third language from the third year of elementary.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include after-school programs such as Elementary Drama Club (Mon) and Yearbook Club (Mon); Basketball (A on Tue, B on Thu); Chinese (Tue); Cheerleading (Wed); Yoga (Wed); Mythology (Thu); Martial Arts (A on Mon, B on Fri); Parkour (A on Thu, B Tue). Kindergarten programs include Yoga and Mindfulness (Mon); Mini Chefs (Tue); Cheerleading (Wed); Mini Tennis (Thu); Creative Dance (Thu). These activities are available to Elementary and Kindergarten students.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History LIFE International School opened in 2017 with a full Early Childhood program and operates with English immersion. The founding team established the school to walk alongside each child from early learning to university readiness. The vision began in 2014 when professionals formed the Christian Schools in Spain (CSS), a nonprofit that laid the groundwork for a Christ-centered international school in Tres Cantos. In September 2025, LIFE completed Grade 12, serving students from ages 3 to 18 across Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and High School. In early 2026, LIFE moved to a new purpose-built facility and will share the Tres Cantos campus with SID Madrid. LIFE is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and by the Middle States Association (MSA), and is recognized by the Government of Spain as a Foreign School authorized by the Community of Madrid (License 28078353).	History Founded in 2019, Lighthouse American School began as a project envisioned by a group of passionate educators who sought to rethink learning. They valued recognizing each child's unique learning style and created a warm, thriving environment where students and faculty can flourish together. Central to Lighthouse's approach is the International Baccalaureate framework with inquiry-based learning, and the school engages in community service projects to connect learning with real-world impact. In about five years, Lighthouse earned accreditation from the NEASC and the International Baccalaureate Organization. Irene Márquez is the founder and CEO of Lighthouse American School.
Community	Community Life International School has 34 nationalities represented and 9 languages spoken by families at home. The LIFE community is multicultural, with families from different countries within a single family unit. The school uses a Houses system, with names chosen by students such as Black Ninjas and Red Dynamites. Spirit Week and Service Week are held as school-wide competitions, with house points for exemplary behavior, and there is a March reading-focused activity.	Community The school calendar is designed to adapt to families, with extended morning and afternoon hours, open during most school holidays at no extra cost, and with after-school programs and summer camps. School celebrations are scheduled in the afternoons, on Fridays, or Saturday mornings so parents can attend. Class and cycle-level assemblies promote emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging, and the school provides psycho-pedagogical care and clear policies to support students. Learning spaces are designed to be flexible, with classrooms that can be rearranged quickly to suit what is being learned, complemented by a range of extracurricular activities and clear routines to support daily life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Life International School offers a full international pathway from Early Childhood through Grade 12 under an American curriculum delivered in English immersion. Core Elementary subjects include English, Spanish Language and Literature, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, Bible Literacy, and Values, with Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education integrated across the program. In Secondary, the curriculum continues with English immersion and education designed to prepare students for universities in Spain, the United States, and beyond. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is authorized to issue a U.S. high school diploma after Grade 12; it is registered with the Spanish government as a foreign school in Spain (License 28078353).	Academic & intellectual The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). It is NEASC-accredited. Day-to-day life is conducted in English, and all teachers are American. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. The program emphasizes transdisciplinary projects and inquiry-based learning that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, Music, Technology, and Physical Education are integrated into LIFE's curriculum. In Early Childhood, learning centers include art, drama, and music to support language development, reading, and creative expression. Cross-curricular projects and hands-on activities help bring learning to life across all grades.	Arts & creative Visual Arts and Music are part of the daily class schedule. The after-school program includes Drama Club, Yearbook Club, and a range of activities such as Basketball, Chinese, Cheerleading, Yoga, Mythology, Martial Arts, Parkour, and Creative Dance for Elementary students. Kindergarten offers Yoga and Mindfulness, Mini Chefs, Cheerleading, Mini Tennis, and Creative Dance.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Day-to-day life at Lighthouse is conducted in English, and all teachers are American and receive ongoing training. Spanish is treated as more than a second language, with special emphasis. From the third year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language. Students share class with peers from many countries and cultures.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Life International School has a House system; each year students choose a house name based on color, with examples such as Black Ninjas and Red Dynamites. There is a Spirit Week and Service Week with a House Cup, and students can earn points for their house, including through reading during March.	Social & hobbies Elementary and Kindergarten offer a broad after-school program with clubs and activities. Elementary clubs include Drama Club (Monday), Yearbook Club (Monday), Basketball (A – Tuesday, B – Thursday), Chinese (Tuesday), Cheerleading (Wednesday), Yoga (Wednesday), Mythology (Thursday), Martial Arts (A – Monday, B – Friday), Parkour (A – Thursday, B – Tuesday), and Creative Dance (Thursday). Kindergarten offers Yoga and Mindfulness (Monday), Mini Chefs (Tuesday), Cheerleading (Wednesday), Mini Tennis (Thursday), and Creative Dance (Thursday).
Community & service	Community & service Service is a core value: students are challenged to care about the needs of others and learn to contribute to their community, developing leadership as they serve.	Community & service The school undertakes community involvement and service initiatives. Community service projects include food drives, shelter volunteering, and environmental initiatives.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional skills are developed through autonomy, creativity, and problem-solving, preparing students to face unknown challenges.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and Fitness are emphasized, with a focus on healthy habits, physical activity, a balanced diet, sportsmanship, and rest. LIFE has its own Lunch Service.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and wellbeing are prioritized: classrooms have natural light and ergonomic seating, and menus are prepared in-house with fresh, traditional dishes and healthy snacks. Students participate in after-school activities and sports, and physical activity is emphasized as part of daily life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Spanish are taught. English is the language of instruction in most classes and daily school life; Spanish Language and Culture are taught in Spanish in the elementary years, while Spanish Language and Literature and Spanish Geography and History are taught in Spanish in secondary. Bible Literacy and Values are included in core subjects, and the DeepRoots Bible curriculum is used in Elementary.	Language provision The school teaches in English. All teachers are American, accredited by US universities and receive ongoing training. Spanish is given special attention as a second language. Starting in the 3rd year of elementary, Chinese is taught as a third language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs LIFE Preschool is an English immersion program. Elementary uses 100% English immersion in all subjects except Spanish Language and Culture. Secondary uses 100% English immersion in all subjects except two Spanish classes: Spanish Language and Literature, and Spanish Geography and History. The program is based on an American curriculum and delivered through a full English immersion model.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions A personalized admission process with three easy steps: Schedule a visit (in person or Zoom) to gather information; Take a tour; Apply online.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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