MDI International College vs Valencia Montessori School

	M MDI International College Valencia, Spain	V Valencia Montessori School Valencia, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €3,000 - 6,870	Fees / year €6,550 - 7,350
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 237
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language Spanish, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1968	Opened 2012
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Valencia region, Spain. It is located in Riba-roja del Turia on Carretera Manises a Riba-roja del Turia km 10. The campus is rural and intimate with abundant outdoor spaces.	Location Valencia Montessori School is located in Valencia, Spain. Address: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 Valencia. It is an American School recognised by NEASC and aligned with AMI Montessori principles.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, and Baccalaureate.	Stages Infant Community (1.5–3 years); Children's House (3–6 years); Lower Elementary (6–9 years); Upper Elementary (9–12 years).
School type	School type International bilingual school offering instruction in English and Spanish, based on the Spanish curriculum, inspired by Montessori and Steiner-Waldorf, and with a Farm School approach.	School type mixed private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Small classes and individualized attention.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain (Spanish curriculum).	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Morning care: 7:45–8:45 am; Afternoon care: 4:30–5:30 pm; Most after-school activities end around 6:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus service generally operates within Valencia city limits; routes are confirmed over the summer if minimum numbers are met.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Annual registration fee - Infant (Educación Infantil): EUR 300. - Primary (Primaria): EUR 387. - 1st cycle Secondary (1º ciclo ESO): EUR 489. - 2nd cycle Secondary (2º ciclo ESO): EUR 587. - Baccalaureate (Bachillerato): EUR 687. Tuition fees (educational activities) — monthly and annual amounts - Tuition is billed across ten monthly instalments. - Infant: EUR 300 per month — EUR 3,000 per academic year (300 × 10). - Primary: EUR 387 per month — EUR 3,870 per academic year (387 × 10). - 1st cycle ESO: EUR 489 per month — EUR 4,890 per academic year (489 × 10). - 2nd cycle ESO: EUR 587 per month — EUR 5,870 per academic year (587 × 10). - Bachillerato: EUR 687 per month — EUR 6,870 per academic year (687 × 10). - Sibling discount on tuition: 20% reduction on the enseñanza (tuition) for siblings. Other standard fees and typical annual totals - School materials: EUR 250 per year. Payment is collected annually. - Lunch (Comedor): EUR 160 per month — EUR 1,600 per academic year (160 × 10). - Bus transport: EUR 189 per month — EUR 1,890 per academic year (189 × 10). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition (enseñanza) is billed in ten monthly instalments across the school year. - The annual registration (matrícula) is a one‑off annual charge by year group, payable at enrolment. - Materials fee is paid annually and is required before the start of the school year (payment is due by the usual administrative deadline before September). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school with published daily schedules and school hours. Other costs and requirements - Uniform: Uniform is required for all students and is obtained from the specified supplier (Geles, C/ del Gral. San Martín, 12, L'Eixample, València). Specific uniform pricing is not published. - Additional occasional costs: Books and some curricular materials are supplied via the school materials fee or purchased by families as indicated in school communications; extra-curricular activities or special outings may incur separate charges depending on the activity. Refund information - No standard refund schedule or refund amounts for enrollment or tuition is published within the school's publicly listed fees. Refunds and cancellations are managed according to the school's administrative policies and applicable regulations. Fee payment options - Payments are processed through the school's administrative channels; the materials fee is to be paid by the usual administrative means before September. Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer, card or direct debit) are handled through the school office at registration and by the administration. Contact details for administrative or billing enquiries are available through the school's published office contacts and administrative email.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Enrollment Fee (first academic year, per child): 919 €. - Registration Fee (one-off, per child): 450 €. - Material Fee (annual; payable in two instalments for Infant Community and Children's House): 389 €. - Material Fee (annual; Elementary): 490 €. - Material Fee (annual; Community of Adolescents): 524 €. Tuition fees by school stage (monthly; education + nutrition) - Infant Community (18 months–3 years): 721 € per month. - Children's House (3–6 years): 721 € per month. - Elementary (6–12 years): 802 € per month. - Community of Adolescents (12–16 years): 871 € per month. Calculated annual and per-term equivalents (for database entry): - Annual equivalent (monthly × 10 months): Infant/Children's House: 7,210 €; Elementary: 8,020 €; Community of Adolescents: 8,710 €. These annual figures are calculated from the published monthly tuition. - Per-term equivalent (annual ÷ 3 terms): Infant/Children's House: 2,403.33 €; Elementary: 2,673.33 €; Community of Adolescents: 2,903.33 €. These per-term figures are calculated from the annual equivalents. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is shown as a monthly charge and is billed on a monthly basis. - Material fees are described as an annual payment made in two instalments (where specified). - An annual one-time payment option for education is offered with a 3% discount. - Sibling discounts apply: 25% off tuition fee for siblings and 8% off the education fee. - Enrollment/registration fees are payable before the child may begin; the enrollment fee must be paid at registration. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; there are no boarding fees listed. Other costs and optional services - Morning Care (7:45–8:45): 56.00 € per month. - Afternoon Care (16:30–17:30): 56.00 € per month. - Morning/Afternoon Care (only 3 days): 36.00 € per month. - 30-minute care option: 30.00 € per month. - One-day care: 10.00 € per day. Refund information - The enrollment fee is not refundable. - No additional refund terms for tuition, material fees, or optional services are published in the academic fees and admissions information. Fee payment options (methods) - The fees and schedules describe billing frequency (monthly, annual instalments, annual payment option) and discounts but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer or credit card) in the published admissions/fees information.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch and snacks are cooked daily at the school. The morning and afternoon snacks consist of seasonal, local and organic fruit, or toasted kamut or rye bread, with a selection of spreads that provide a source of plant-based protein. Lunch includes a seasonal soup or salad and a main dish. The mealtime is a learning moment when children set the table and serve themselves. We use organic, local and seasonal products, and our homemade cooking is prepared without processed foods, added sugar, or dairy products.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is authorized by the Department of Education as a regulated compulsory education center; bilingual education is inspired by Montessori and Waldorf and includes a school farm.	Governance and ownership Valencia Montessori School is a private school founded in 2012 by Sonia Mocholí. It is officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education and accredited by NEASC. It follows Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details MDI International College is an international bilingual school based on the Spanish curriculum, inspired by Montessori and Steiner-Waldorf and Farm School, with Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, and Bachillerato. We offer small classes, individualized attention, and a warm, nurturing environment. The environment is intimate, rural, with many outdoor spaces. If you are looking for an alternative school in Valencia where your child is not a number, but where children and adolescents can be authentic, you are invited to visit us. Established in 1968, our international school, MDI, stands as a beacon of distinctive educational excellence. Far from conventional norms, we foster a unique approach that transcends traditional borders. At MDI, we embrace the essence of a small, intimate setting, prioritizing not only academic learning but also the development of each student's emotional and social intelligence. Here, we believe in offering an unparalleled educational journey that prepares students not only for academic success but also for a full and balanced life. English-language instruction is emphasized, with activities led by native English-speaking teachers.	Curriculum details Following Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles, Valencia Montessori School offers an authentic Montessori education. The program includes four learning stages: Infant Community (0-3) bilingual, Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12), and Adolescent (12-18). In Children's House, the classroom is organized into five areas: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics and culture. From Children's House through Elementary, English is the primary language; from 1st grade onward, Spanish and Valenciano are taught as subjects. The curriculum aligns with Common Core State Standards (American Curriculum) and the Valencian Ministry of Education Curriculum for Spanish and Valenciano from Grade 1. The Adolescent program emphasizes projects, internships, and real-world learning within the Montessori framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The school is NEASC-accredited (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). It is an American School in Valencia and follows the Common Core State Standards alongside the Valencian Ministry of Education Curriculum for Spanish and Valenciano from Grade 1. Alumni are eligible to transfer to any educational institution, in Spain or abroad.
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 aims to prepare students to be self-aware, socially conscious citizens with a high level of academic, social and emotional intelligence based on a foundation of happiness. It emphasizes close contact with nature, supports students' social and emotional needs, and provides an individualized learning plan. It welcomes students from a wide variety of nationalities and cultures in a rapidly changing global professional environment. Graduates are well-rounded and confident, with a strong academic foundation balanced by emotional strength. Students develop critical thinking and reflect on their learning, enabling ongoing growth. Graduates leave with strong social and environmental values and adaptability to face life's challenges with responsibility.	Social & emotional learning Valencia Montessori School follows AMI principles and centers education on the child with educators guiding rather than teaching. It encourages self-esteem, tolerance, and concern for others through observation and planning. Educators serve as facilitators, promoting mutual respect and individualized learning. The community values integrity, commitment, respect, beauty, balance, simplicity, education, curiosity, personal growth, and love as guiding principles. A home-like, connected learning environment supports students' social and emotional development and reinforces respectful interactions within the school community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language Infant Community is bilingual. From Children's House through the end of Elementary, English is the primary language of instruction, while Spanish and Valenciano are taught as subjects starting in 1st grade. The curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards (American Curriculum) and the Valencian Ministry of Education Curriculum for Spanish and Valenciano. English language proficiency expectations vary by grade, and an EAL program supports learners with limited English; staff communicate in English while encouraging students to follow their lead.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school prioritizes student wellbeing as part of a holistic education. Emotional intelligence and happiness underpin the school's approach to learning. Students are encouraged to be self-aware and socially responsible, balancing academics with emotional growth. Courage and Integrity, Respect, and Excellence are core commitments guiding student development. The graduate profile describes graduates who are well-rounded, emotionally strong, capable of critical thinking, and adaptable to life's challenges.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school prioritizes student wellbeing and safety. There is a dedicated first aid room on site to provide prompt medical care. Transportation services are provided from Valencia to ensure safe commuting. Facilities include independent buildings by class, a psychomotor area, music room, library, indoor sports pavilion, and outdoor sports fields to support a safe, supervised learning environment. A COVID-19 contingency protocol outlines hygiene measures, space usage, symptom screening, isolation procedures, and clear channels for communicating with families, with procedures for attending during health concerns and for vulnerable students.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview MDI International College is a small international bilingual school in Valencia. The school prioritizes not only academic excellence but also student well-being and holistic development. The campus is designed to provide an enriching environment with a variety of facilities and services to meet the diverse needs of the community. Transportation services are available from Valencia to ensure safe commuting for students. Health and safety are prioritized with a dedicated first aid room, and buildings are organized by class levels, with facilities including a psychomotor area, a music classroom, a library, a covered gym/sports area, and sports courts that support both academic and extracurricular activities.	Facilities overview Valencia Montessori School is located at Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 Valencia, Spain. It serves learners aged 1.5 to 12 across Infant Community (18 months–3), Children's House (3–6) and Elementary (6–12). Classrooms are designed to be indoor and outdoor environments that invite movement and interaction among students and teachers. The school follows Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles and is officially recognised by NEASC; CEICE; UNESCO; ADEAC; Slow Food. Eco-School initiatives include a waste management centre, recycling policy, eco-building construction and a water filtration system.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus includes a Covered Gym/Sports Area and multiple outdoor sports courts for physical education and team sports. The extensive grounds provide additional space for outdoor athletic activities and recreation. Outdoor facilities include tracks and fencing areas for training and practice. These facilities support a broad range of sports and active learning.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Technology and language classrooms support modern teaching and language acquisition. There are dedicated laboratories for science and other subjects. The library provides study resources for students. A Music classroom is available for arts education. The campus layout includes independent buildings organized by class levels and spaces for specialized subjects such as technology and languages.	Academic facilities The Children's House classroom is designed as a three-year program consisting of five main areas: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics and culture. The four learning stages are Infant Community (0-3), Children's House (3-6) and Elementary (6-12); the Adolescent stage is also part of the school's scope. Guides are AMI-trained and classrooms are designed with indoor and outdoor environments to invite student engagement. From 1st grade onward, English is the primary language, while Spanish and Valenciano are taught as subjects; the curriculum integrates the American CCSS framework with the Valencian Ministry of Education standards.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Facilities support extracurricular life with a Music classroom and a Cultural Hall/Chapel for events and performances. A Library supports clubs and independent study outside class time. The Farm School area, with stables and outdoor spaces, offers hands-on activities related to nature and animal care. A psychomotor area helps with physical activities beyond regular classes.	Extra curricular facilities After-school activities include judo, basketball, art lab and music. Valencia Forest School offers a British bilingual program focused on personal and emotional development through nature-based play, with sessions at Turia River garden on Tuesdays 4:45–6:30 pm for ages 6–13 (185€ per month). The school runs a Summer Camp at Alquería El Machistre, Alboraya from June 23 to July 18, 2025 (9:00 am–3:30 pm; with morning care and aftercare options; prices vary by duration and group). Eco-focused initiatives include Planting Change (environmental committee, composting, and a Green Code of Conduct) and the Eco-School actions highlighted in In love with the planet, reflecting Valencia Montessori's commitment to sustainability.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History MDI International College is a bilingual international school based on the Spanish curriculum, inspired by Montessori and Steiner Waldorf and Farm School, with Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, and Bachillerato. We offer small classes, individualized attention, and a warm and nurturing environment. Established in 1968, MDI stands as a beacon of distinctive educational excellence. At MDI, we embrace a small and intimate setting that prioritizes not only academic learning but also the development of students' emotional and social intelligence.	History Valencia Montessori School was founded in 2012 by Sonia Mocholi. It follows Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles. It is a mixed private Montessori school in Valencia offering education for ages 1 to 12. It is an American School in Valencia and is officially recognized by NEASC. Accreditations include NEASC, CEICE GVA, UNESCO, ADEAC, and Slow Food Valencia.
Community	Community The environment is intimate, rural, and includes numerous outdoor spaces. English instruction is of a very high standard, and many classes take place in open-air settings amid nature. There is a farm where children enjoy riding horses and learning to respect the natural environment. The overall approach encourages learning through joyful, outdoor experiences.	Community Valencia Montessori School treats families as part of a multi‑generational, inclusive community, with local families and families who have moved from abroad participating and helping new families feel at home. Community is built through events such as the School for Families program, yoga for parents, library nights and special celebrations. Parent involvement is central to the school's approach, with opportunities for families to participate in events and projects throughout the year as part of building a community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parent Association (PA) is an active part of Valencia Montessori School whose voice is highly valuable to the constant growth and evolution of the community. They also help with student/class celebrations. Parent involvement is encouraged, with families participating in events and projects throughout the year as part of building a community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual MDI International College is an international, bilingual school inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, and Farm School methodologies, serving children aged 3 to 18. It follows the Spanish curriculum with an innovative approach and small class sizes, offering individualized attention in a warm, nurturing environment. Instruction is delivered in both Spanish and English, with native or fluent English-speaking teachers at both primary and secondary levels. Established in 1968 as Colegio Maria de Iciar, MDI emphasizes emotional intelligence and social development alongside academic learning.	Academic & intellectual The school offers an authentic Montessori education guided by AMI principles. The program follows four age-based communities: Infant Community (0-3), Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12), and Community of Adolescents (12-18). It uses US Common Core Standards alongside the Valencian Ministry of Education Curriculum for Spanish and Valencian from Grade 1. The school is accredited by NEASC, indicating alignment with widely recognized standards.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Extracurricular activities are offered during regular school hours, allowing students to explore interests beyond the core curriculum. Activities include sports and music lessons, with participation being optional. The school also organizes excursions, including a five-day ski trip for older students and sailing and other regional outings, supporting a well-rounded education.	Arts & creative Spring Camp provides creative, hands-on activities such as mosaic and pattern exploration, art, ceramics, and watercolor. Storytelling and collaborative projects are part of the programme, with activities delivered in English in a screen-free environment. The programme emphasizes creating and constructing through art, design, and movement.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Education is bilingual in English and Spanish, with instruction delivered in both languages and native or fluent English-speaking teachers available in both primary and secondary levels. Valencian is included in the curriculum in line with regional regulations to support language diversity. The bilingual environment fosters cross-cultural communication and linguistic understanding.	Cultural & language Infant Community is bilingual. From Children's House through Elementary, English is the primary language. From 1st grade onward, Spanish and Valenciano are taught. Staff come from diverse places, and guides communicate in English while encouraging language learning among students.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies In a nurturing, intimate setting, students thrive, form meaningful friendships, and experience genuine happiness. The school environment prioritizes emotional and social development alongside academics, creating opportunities for collaboration and community-building.	Social & hobbies After-school activities include judo, basketball, art lab, and music, with most options available to children 3 and up and ending around 6:00 pm. The school also runs camps during spring break and the first four weeks of summer, open to the public for other families.
Community & service	Community & service MDI International College aims to nurture good citizens with social commitment, self-awareness, and the skills to make decisions from a place of happiness. Social intelligence and emotional management are core to its holistic education, and the school seeks to prepare students for integration into global professional, labor, and entrepreneurial spheres.	Community & service Community is an important part of Valencia Montessori School. The School for Families program offers yoga for parents, library nights, and special celebrations, and the Parent Association is an active part of school life with volunteer efforts and family events.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The institution prepares students for leadership in a global workforce, focusing on entrepreneurship and professional skills to adapt to international opportunities. It emphasizes decision-making, social responsibility, and the ability to contribute positively to society as part of its core aims.	Leadership & professional The school maintains committees focused on Culture, Green, Food, and Diversity & Inclusion to guide school life and community initiatives.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is intimate and rural, with numerous outdoor spaces that support exploration and well-being. The approach prioritizes happiness, emotional intelligence, and social development alongside academic learning. Outdoor activities and farm-related experiences, including a school farm and nature-based learning, contribute to students' overall well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The nutrition program follows Slow Food principles with local, seasonal ingredients and daily meals and snacks. The school is a member of Ecoescuelas and runs an Ecology From Childhood program to promote sustainability. A screen-free Spring Camp experience supports creativity and nature exploration, and morning and afternoon care are available for families.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school provides bilingual education in English and Spanish within the Spanish curriculum framework. It serves children from age 3 to 18. The school is international and bilingual, with children from different countries studying there.	Language provision Infant Community is bilingual. English is the primary language from Children's House through Upper Elementary, while Spanish and Valenciano are taught starting in 1st grade. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports learners with limited English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching MDI International College is an international, bilingual school based on the Spanish curriculum, inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, and Farm School. It offers small class sizes, individualized attention, and a warm, nurturing environment. The school teaches in English and Spanish.	Bilingual teaching Infant Community (18 months to 3 years) is bilingual. From Children's House through Upper Elementary, English is the primary language for instruction. From 1st grade onward, Spanish and Valenciano are taught as subjects. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports learners with limited English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Following AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) principles.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions MDI International College is a bilingual international school based on the Spanish curriculum, with inspiration from Montessori and Steiner-Waldorf and a Farm School approach. It offers Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and the Baccalaureate. Small classes, individualized attention, and a warm, nurturing environment are provided. The environment is intimate and rural with many outdoor spaces. Admissions and enrollment are open. The school is located at Carretera Manises a Riba-roja del Turia km. 10, in Rib a-Roja del Turia.	Admissions Admission process at Valencia Montessori School consists of seven steps: Explore, Submit your application, Wait for application review, Waiting List, Pay registration fee, Cycle Commitment, and Parent Involvement. Exploration invites families to join a school tour and observe the program; enrolment is based on parental support for the pedagogy and for those new to Montessori to observe the uniqueness of the program. Submission requires completing the application and providing the required documents. The review takes about four weeks; after review, a spot may be offered or the family placed on the waiting list if classes are full. To join the waiting list, fill out an application form; the child is placed on the waitlist for the year they are eligible to enter the class. Before the child begins, an enrollment fee is required per child and is non-refundable; the fee schedule is provided. The Cycle Commitment requires completing the full cycle: one year for 2-3 year olds, three years for 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12; families enrolling in the pre-primary and primary classes are expected to commit for three years per cycle; enrollment is ongoing until Year 6 unless one full term's notice is given. Parent Involvement is encouraged as part of the Montessori philosophy; families participate in events and projects throughout the year. The school follows Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) principles and implements a curriculum that combines the American Common Core Standards with the Valencian Ministry of Education Curriculum for Spanish and Valencian from Grade 1.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist To place your child on the waiting list, you must fill out an application form. Your child will be placed on the waitlist for the year they are eligible to enter the class.
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