Sotogrande International School vs The American College in Spain

	S Sotogrande International School Malaga, Spain	T The American College in Spain Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,840 - 28,255	Fees / year €6,250 - 16,600
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 15 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 100
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1978	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. The school serves students from 6 months through 18 years, from Early Years to High School. It offers day and boarding options. Private bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.	Location Located in Marbella, Málaga Province, Andalusia, Spain. Address: CC La Alzambra, Urb. La Alzambra, 29660 Puerto Banús, Marbella. The campus has been operating in Marbella since 2013 as the first North American High School and University in Andalusia.
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.	Stages High School and University (2+2 program) where students complete the first two years in Marbella and then transfer to a U.S. or other American university to finish their degree.
School type	School type International Day and Boarding School	School type Private international day school offering American-style High School and university programs; no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix 40 nationalities create the international learning environment.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.	Additional learning support Personal academic advice is offered to all students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration and Membership Fees - Registration fee (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application): EC1–P6 €350; M1–D2 €550. - Membership fee (single payment on admission, per family): EC1–P6 €3,000; M1–M5 €4,000. Deposits - Standard deposit (single payment, refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions): Day students EC1–P6 €2,000; Day students M1–D2 €2,500; With boarding M1–D2 €5,000. The deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. - Early Years specific deposits: Early Years deposit €500 per student. If a child continues in Early Childhood 1 (3 years old before September) the registration fee (€350) and the membership fee (€3,000) are waived, but a refundable deposit of €1,500 is required under the school's terms and conditions. Tuition fees by year group (annual, EUR) - Early Childhood: EC1 €9,840; EC2 €10,485. - Primary: PYP1–PYP2 €15,650; PYP3–PYP6 €16,810. - Secondary (MYP): MYP1–MYP3 €20,575; MYP4–MYP5 €23,100. - IB (DP): D1–D2 €28,255. Early Years term fees (per term; Early Years operates three terms per school year) - Standard day programme (09:00–15:10): - 5 days: 1st term €2,920; 2nd term €2,190; 3rd term €2,190. - 3 days: 1st term €2,490; 2nd term €1,870; 3rd term €1,870. - 2 days: 1st term €2,170; 2nd term €1,625; 3rd term €1,625. - Extended day programme (09:00–17:00, 5 days): 1st term €3,650; 2nd term €2,740; 3rd term €2,740. After-hours programme (monthly fee, 15:10–17:00): €225 per month. Boarding fees and boarding-related services (annual unless stated otherwise) - Annual boarding standard pack (Templeton House – Standard Pack): €22,720. Includes: all term meals; ensuite shared-room accommodation; transport to activities within a 10 km radius; dedicated supported study time; airport–school transport provision within set dates; weekend activities & entertainment; term-time medical & health insurance. - Guardian pack for non-EU members (adds dedicated guardian services, visa and residency permit support, notary expenses): €26,810 (annual). - Weekly boarding house (Monday–Friday, annual fee): €18,350. Extra night for weekly boarders: €115 per night. Flexi-boarding / double room (daily fee, subject to availability): €115 per night; flexi-boarding is for short stays (2–14 days maximum) and is not available during school holidays. What is included / not included in fees - Included in published tuition and boarding packages: all term meals and compulsory curriculum-related trips (boarding standard pack details listed above). Boarding packs also include medical & health insurance during term time where specified. - Not included: devices (e.g., personal laptops/tablets), uniform, transport (where not included in a boarding pack), external examination fees and charges, and other optional extras. Early Years notes specify lunch and uniform are not included in Early Years term fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full payment option: full payment of fees before 15 August. - Instalment options for tuition fees: three instalments payable on 15 August, 15 December and 15 March. Payments must be arranged by direct debit. - IB Diploma (D1 & D2) instalment option: D1 and D2 fees are payable in two instalments on 15 August and 15 December. - Boarding fee instalments: boarding fees are payable in three instalments with the first instalment due 15 March (preceding year), then 15 December and 15 March. Refunds and cancellation-related points - Registration and membership fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the application or admission. The deposit is a single payment that is refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions; the deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. Early Years has a specific refundable-deposit arrangement (€1,500) when registration/membership are waived for children continuing into EC1. Fee payment options and required payment method - Required method: payments must be arranged by direct debit (SEPA / direct debit arrangements are required). Instalment schedules described above assume direct-debit collection. The published fee materials set direct debit as the payment arrangement. Other costs and optional charges - Additional or optional costs may include: uniform, personal devices, optional external examination or certification fees (where applicable), optional after-hours programs for Early Years (monthly fee €225), extra boarding nights beyond contracted weekly boarding, transport outside included provisions, and any optional extracurricular or elite-sports programme fees where applicable. Specific items listed as not included in the fee schedules are devices, uniform, transport and external examination fees. (End of fee overview.)	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: EUR 200 (one-time). Tuition fees by program and (per-term equivalents) - University Transfer Program (full-time): EUR 14,900 per academic year. Additional subject (if taken): EUR 2,320 per subject. Study materials (E‑Book/learning resources): EUR 1,200 per year. Testing fee (placement/preparation materials): EUR 400 (one‑time). Administration fee: EUR 500 per year. Application fee: EUR 200 (one‑time). - High School Program (full-time): EUR 13,200 per academic year. Extra subject: EUR 1,420 per subject. Study materials (E‑Book/learning resources): EUR 1,000 per year. Administration fee: EUR 500 per year. Transcript evaluation fee: EUR 150 (one‑time). The academic year is shown as 36 weeks and courses are organised by term; an equivalent per‑term figure (using a three‑term year as a standard reference) would be EUR 4,400 per term (annual tuition ÷ 3). - GED program (full-time): EUR 6,250 per course. Study material charge: EUR 400 per course. Administration fee: EUR 300 per year / per course (as published). - Academic English (full-time): EUR 8,150 per course (10–12 weeks; 18 hours/week). Study material: EUR 400 per course. Administration fee: EUR 300 per year / per course (as published). Additional and occasional fees - Study materials / learning resources: shown per program (University EUR 1,200 / year; High School EUR 1,000 / year; GED Academic material EUR 400 / course). - Administration fee: typically EUR 500 per year for University and High School; EUR 300 per year/per course for GED/Academic English (as published). - Testing / exam preparation fees: University testing fee EUR 400 (one‑time). Additional external exam costs (for example AP or GED external testing fees) are identified separately in course descriptions. - Transcript evaluation fee: EUR 150 (one‑time) for High School program. - SAT preparation course examples (optional): intensive summer SAT course price EUR 625 (includes materials); autumn/spring course price EUR 800 (includes materials). These are listed as separate course fees. Discounts and incentives - Sibling discount: 10% tuition discount for families with two or more children. - Early‑payment incentive: a 5% discount on total tuition is applied for payment of the entire academic year if paid before June 1. Billing schedule and payment terms - Admissions and reservation: following acceptance families receive payment instructions and are required to pay a deposit to guarantee a place; official acceptance letters and, where applicable, visa documents are issued after the deposit is paid. Invoices are issued together with the order/payment. Contract paperwork is completed and kept on file as part of the registration process. - Full‑year payment and term payment: the published fees are shown as annual amounts for each program; the school offers a full‑year payment option (with the early‑payment discount for payments made before June 1). Specific instalment or per‑term billing schedules and the exact timing of deposit/term payments are provided in the payment instructions issued upon acceptance. Boarding / accommodation fees - Boarding is not listed as a school‑run service. The college assists students who need accommodation by helping locate rental apartments, rooms with families (host families) or local hotels; those accommodation arrangements and any associated costs are arranged separately from tuition and are billed independently. No school boarding fee is published. Other costs parents should expect to budget for - Optional course extras (additional subjects): University EUR 2,320 per subject; High School EUR 1,420 per extra subject. - External exam fees (AP/GED/other) and possible travel/administration charges for external testing sessions. - Accommodation, local transport, meals, extracurricular trip costs and personal expenses for activities such as scheduled cultural or sporting trips (these are organised and billed separately). Refund information - The published General Conditions and admissions materials describe the invoicing and acceptance/payment process but do not present a detailed, itemised public refund schedule alongside the fee table. Payment instructions and contractual conditions accompanying acceptance detail the steps required to complete registration and invoicing; families are notified of the financial terms and receipt/invoice at the time of acceptance. Fee payment options - The school issues payment instructions upon acceptance and supplies the corresponding invoice. Specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card payment) are stated in those payment instructions and on the formal invoice that accompanies the acceptance. Contact details for administrative correspondence are published for payment and billing enquiries. If you need any of the specific fee lines restated in another format or converted into a different currency, the amounts above are the published figures in euros.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school offers on-site boarding with Full Boarding, Weekday Boarding, and Flexi-boarding. The Boarding House provides a safe, welcoming space with on-site staff, common rooms, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities for boarders.	Boarding arrangements ACS offers accommodation options for students who are not residents in the Costa del Sol. Administration and student services assist with locating apartments to rent, arranging room rentals with families, and dealing with local hotels.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uniform is mandatory and can be purchased from El Corte Inglés stores in Algeciras and Marbella or online.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Home-made food is prepared on-site with a monthly menu designed by a specialist nutritionist, using fresh ingredients.	Food options There is a nearby cafeteria; the Marbella area features shops and restaurants for meals.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Sotogrande International School is a member of Inspired Education, one of the world's largest and most innovative school groups, with over 80 premium schools across five continents.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. It has a Keiser University partnership for a 2+2 program, with the first two years in Marbella leading to an Associate of Arts degree from Keiser University, after which students may continue at Keiser or transfer to another North American university.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.	Curriculum details General Education at The American College in Spain is a core of common learning experiences that enables students to acquire and apply a broad foundation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors. The curriculum provides an overall learning across disciplines before students engage in their concentration, with literacy and communication skills reinforced throughout the program. General Education courses are taken during the first two years as prerequisites for higher-level coursework, and Keiser University's General Education courses are offered to fulfill transfer requirements. Core courses are required for graduation in each degree program. General Education Requirements for the Associate of Arts degree include coursework in Communication, Mathematics, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and electives, plus the Speech Communication and a Computer Literacy requirement; the college is authorized to offer Keiser University's AA degree, with students able to transfer to Keiser or another American university to complete a bachelor's degree. ACS concentrates its principal studies in Humanities/Social Sciences (International Relations, Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy, History, English Language and Literature), Business (Business Administration, International Business, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology/Management), and Communication (Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.	Higher education progression The American College in Spain maintains transfer agreements with a broad network of universities, enabling graduates to pursue higher education at partner institutions in the United States and beyond. Partner U.S. universities include Keiser University, Adelphi University, Arizona State University, Ball State University, College of Staten Island, Eastern Illinois University, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, St. Bonaventure University, St. Thomas University, Troy University, Truman State University, SUNY Albany, University of Findlay, University of Kentucky, University of Missouri, University of North Alabama, University of South Florida, University of West Florida, Wayne State University, Western Governors University, Slippery Rock University, University of Cincinnati, Lynn University, California State University, IPAG Business School, Hult International Business School, St. Louis University Madrid, University of Gibraltar, Rennes School of Business, and others.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.	Gifted and talented Advanced coursework is available through Advanced Placement and Accelerated Options via Mizzou Academy (University of Missouri High School), including AP courses such as AP Calculus AB, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, and AP United States History.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SIS provides a child-centered, holistic education with a robust pastoral framework. Personal Advisors in the Secondary School and Class Teachers in the Primary School are the main points of contact for parents and students, ensuring daily support and encouragement. The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with strong pastoral guidance, and develops leaders and global citizens through programmes like the Global Citizenship Programme and service learning. The SIS community represents 50 nationalities, contributing to intercultural awareness and mutual respect.	Social & emotional learning The American College in Spain develops students intellectually, socially, and personally through an American-based program. The college emphasizes the recruitment of outstanding faculty and staff whose primary focus is student success on an individual basis, with small class sizes. The program concentrates on developing international and cross-cultural capabilities through excellence in academics, cultural and sports training, inter-campus transfer, and other opportunities. The school provides a diverse, international environment drawn from many countries.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Dedicated Student Support Services and an English Language Development department provide support for learners, including those with additional language needs. The school offers personalised learning with flexible language groupings and extra ELD classes led by specialist teachers. Early Childhood includes immersion for English language development to support language acquisition. Students can access targeted language and learning support as part of a broader inclusive education approach.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Although the main language of instruction is English, SIS is committed to multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports learners who do not have English as a first language, with personalised learning to improve English while maintaining cultural diversity. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English language development available as a dedicated department and additional language opportunities (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin).	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is a core part of SIS, with Personal Advisors and Class Teachers supporting students' wellbeing and development. The school emphasises a safe, supportive environment and fosters a culture of happiness as part of a comprehensive pastoral provision. Pastoral guidance is highlighted as an area of strength alongside academic achievement, contributing to student wellbeing and personal growth.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are paramount at SIS. The school has a Safeguarding Team and trained staff who act when there is a risk of harm, working with external agencies to safeguard students. The aim is to create a school environment where students feel safe, healthy and well-supported.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Sotogrande campus serves children from 2 to 18 years and supports 21st‑century learning with versatile spaces for engaging lessons. An expansion added a new building with 20 additional secondary classrooms, allowing each academic department to occupy a distinct part of the school. The campus provides modern learning spaces, bright offices and staff rooms, a welcoming entrance and a common room for senior students. Exterior and interior facilities include modern STEM laboratories, art studios, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. The sports facilities include a 5-a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area, and the main building is planned to be remodelled to upgrade the library facilities and extend the primary division to a 4‑form entry school.	Facilities overview The American College in Spain is located in Puerto Banús, Marbella. The Marbella campus facilities include classrooms, a lecture hall, and a student lounge. There is a nearby cafeteria, fitness center, shops and restaurants. The beach is a five-minute walk away.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus sports facilities include a 5‑a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area. These facilities are part of the extensive exterior and interior facilities of the campus, reflecting ongoing updates to accommodate a growing student body.	Sports facilities Sports and activities include tennis, paddle, fitness, swimming, walking and hiking, wakeboard and cable ski. In winter, trips to the Sierra Nevada ski resort are organized with ski lessons. Guided trips to Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Jerez and Seville are organized each term. ACS offers sports competitions and cultural events as part of campus life.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Classrooms are high‑quality and equipped with advanced technology, including whiteboards, computers and music and design programmes. Selected classrooms have tiered seating and foldable tables to support presentations and group work. The school environment is designed for learners at every educational level, with modern STEM laboratories and art studios on site. Remodelling plans aim to enhance Primary School provision and update library facilities, enabling the Primary division to extend to a 4‑form entry school.	Academic facilities The program is fully accredited and enables students to complete high school education in Spain. With a tailor-made program, classes are taught by a team of qualified teachers specialized in different subjects. Personal academic advice is offered to all students. Upon completion of high school, students can begin their first two years of university in the United States as part of the 2+2 pathway.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities SIS offers a full and varied extracurricular activities programme to provide opportunities for students to follow their passion and develop their potential. Activities range from music and expressive arts to pre‑engineering club, chess and various sporting clubs. The SIS Activities Programme is coordinated by lead persons for each activity, with Primary School Activities and Secondary School Activities detailing age‑appropriate options.	Extra curricular facilities Every term ACS offers different social and cultural activities such as visits to Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Jerez and Seville. Sports competitions are held. Cultural and social events are organized. These activities are part of the campus life experience.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded over four decades ago, Sotogrande International School serves children from 6 months in the Early Years division to 18 years in the High School, and offers day and boarding options. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is described as a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students, with a culture of happiness and a focus on nurturing each student's talents and ambitions.	History The American College in Spain is the first North American High School and University in Andalusia, located in Marbella since 2013. It offers a curriculum based on the U.S. education system. Students can complete their high school education in Marbella and then begin the first two years of university by completing the general education courses required by U.S. universities; after two years they receive the Associate of Arts Degree from Keiser University. They may continue their third and fourth years at Keiser University or transfer to any North American university to complete BA, BBA or BSc degrees. ACS is part of an educational project founded by Dr. James Butler in 1972; the first project was Columbus International College in Seville in 1972.
Community	Community The school is a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students and emphasizes a culture of happiness, aimed at nurturing every student's talents and ambitions. The learning environment is shaped by the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP).	Community The campus life highlights an international learning environment with 40 nationalities. It offers sports and activities including tennis, paddle, fitness, swimming, walking and hiking, wakeboard and cableski; winter trips to Sierra Nevada with the European Ski School; and term social and cultural activities to Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Jerez and Seville, plus sports competitions and cultural events. Testimonials describe ACS as small with close student–teacher relationships and a family atmosphere.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTA welcomes all parents and staff as members and organizes fundraising and social events throughout the year, with funds used to provide resources for students, such as extra playground equipment, table tennis tables, and Go Pros. The Parent Ambassador role promotes the school and represents SIS, helping to share experiences and support families.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Sotogrande International School is an independent IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school also offers an American High School Diploma route and an International A-level route for high school students. The average IB Diploma score is 34 points. The school emphasizes holistic, inquiry-based learning and enrols students from 6 months through 18 years.	Academic & intellectual The school offers a fully accredited high school program based on the U.S. education system, delivered with a tailor-made approach and classes taught by qualified teachers across subjects. Personal academic advice is offered to all students, national and international, at all ages and levels of study. Students can complete their high school in Marbella and begin their first two years of university there to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Keiser University, after which they can transfer to Keiser or other North American universities to complete a BA, BBA, or BSc.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school provides a broad range of activities across performance arts, sports, and service, with academies in Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Water Sports to support competitive participation and personal development.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is multilingual and internationally minded; its primary language of instruction is English, with some subjects taught in Spanish. First languages offered include English, Spanish and Russian, and second languages include English, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin.	Cultural & language Language & Culture focuses on continuous learning, personal growth, and confidence. Education opens doors for us and develops our reflective critical thinking for an ever-changing world.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers extensive extracurricular activities across a wide range of interests to support student passions beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies Social and cultural activities include visits to Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Jerez and Seville, along with sports competitions and cultural and social events. Students can practice sports and activities such as tennis, paddle, fitness, swimming, walking and hiking, wakeboard and cable ski.
Community & service	Community & service The Kindred Project, an independent NGO run by students since 2010, supports projects in Ecuador, India, Morocco, Spain and Uganda as part of the school's global citizenship activities.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school supports leadership development and university/career guidance through its pastoral system and university placement services, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for international higher education.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing SIS provides boarding facilities (Boarding House for 160+ students) alongside day schooling, supported by a focus on safeguarding, well-being and a holistic, inclusive school culture.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and activities are available in Marbella including tennis, paddle, fitness, swimming, walking and hiking, wakeboard and cable ski. Winter trips to Sierra Nevada provide downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The school emphasizes a healthy mind-body balance and offers academic advising and tutoring to support students in managing academics with athletics.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The main language of instruction is English, and the school maintains a multilingual environment. Spanish is offered from age 3 as either First Language or Additional Language. Russian is offered as a First Language, while French, German and Mandarin are offered as Second Languages. An English Language Development program supports non-native English speakers.	Language provision Language provision includes English and Spanish courses.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual, with English as the main language of instruction and Spanish taught in some subjects. A second language is used in daily routines and in classroom learning. The school employs native-English teachers to support language development and maintains a multilingual environment. This bilingual approach supports multilingualism across the curriculum.	Bilingual teaching The school offers English and Spanish language courses.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs English immersion is used in Early Childhood for learners who do not have English as a first language. In Early Childhood, English is introduced through the immersion programme. In Primary, English Language Development provides more specialised language support.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Register Your Interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit. Open Days are held throughout the year on Saturdays. Complete the Application Form on the Open Apply platform and upload the last two years of school reports translated into English; a registration fee is due: Primary €350 per child; Secondary €550 per child. Examinations: Primary students entering PYP5 (9 years) and PYP6 (10 years) complete an online Cognitive Test invigilated by Admissions. Secondary students aged 11–15 take an online Cognitive Test plus the iDAT 360 assessment. Diploma and A‑level students aged 16–18 complete an online assessment including Cognitive, English and Maths. Admissions Review and Conditions: The Admissions Committee reviews applications and assessments and informs the outcome; Diploma students have an online interview with the IB Coordinator. Successful Application: You receive an email with the offer letter and payment conditions. Upload to OpenApply the following documents: copy of student's passport, copies of parents' passports, student NIE, parents' NIE, contract signed by both parents, and Image Consent Form. All documents must be received before your child starts at SIS; if relevant information is withheld, the school reserves the right to withdraw from the place offered.	Admissions University Program admissions: 1. Submit the University Transfer Program application using the University Program Application Form; ensure all required documents are submitted to make the application valid; the academic department will review the submission and contact you to schedule an interview. 2. Provide required documents: Spanish High School Diploma or American High School Diploma or GED (minimum 2.0 GPA); International Baccalaureate (IB) with six subjects; International applicants provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo; SAT, ACT, or Wonderlic certificates are required; if you do not hold these qualifications, you may take them at ACS; a placement test may be given before registration to determine English and Mathematics levels, and if needed preparatory courses will be assigned; the Academic Department will interview all future students to determine compatibility with ACS's mission and programs and ACS tailors the pathway to help you access American university study; For Sports Program students, contact the registrar for more information. 3. Admission decisions are communicated by email or letter; if accepted, you will receive a payment instruction to guarantee your place; after payment, official acceptance letters may be issued to support visa processes. High School Program admissions: 1. Fill out the High School Program application; submit required documents; the department will contact you for the interview. 2. Pre-admission: provide original stamped copies of previous reports for evaluation by the United States; required documents: Registration Form; transcript evaluation fee €85; passport copy or DNI/NIE if Spanish. 3. Admission: after transcript evaluation, main registration can begin; all applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of English and Mathematics; a placement test will determine level; preparatory courses may be assigned; the Academic Department will interview all future students; 4. Acceptance: after the Admissions Department has made a decision, you will receive email or letter confirming acceptance; if accepted, you will receive a payment instruction to guarantee your place. 5. Admitted: after deposit is paid, official letters are issued to start visa process.
Scholarships	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. Scholarships at Sotogrande International School are merit‑based and cover reduced IB tuition fees for students who excel in academics, expressive arts and sport; learners of all ages may apply. Complete the Scholarships Application Handbook and the Scholarships Application Form to be considered; download the Scholarship Guide 2026 - 2027. Bursaries: SIS provides financial assistance to families; to be considered, students must have completed at least one full academic year; download the Economic Aid Guide 2025 - 2026.	Scholarships >90% of ACS students go to the USA on scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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