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American Curriculum International Schools in Spain

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About international schools in Spain

American-curriculum international schools in Spain typically teach in English and follow a US-style programme - often an American High School Diploma with options for Advanced Placement (AP) courses - and some campuses offer hybrid pathways that lead to the Spanish Bachillerato or the IB Diploma as an additional route. Parents can expect Spanish language tuition as standard and, in regions with co-official languages (Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia), local-language instruction or classes alongside English. Annual fees vary widely by city, campus and age group, commonly ranging from lower-cost primary options to more expensive secondary programmes where tuition frequently stretches into the mid-five figures in euros; many schools also charge application, enrolment and capital fees. Admissions usually follow an annual cycle with offers, assessments and deposits issued months before the school year (January - March is a common application window for many European international schools), and popular year groups can carry waiting lists, so families relocating should start enquiries as soon as dates are known and check accreditation, language support and transport logistics.

Compare 66 American Curriculum international schools in Spain. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 10,532), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 66 schools · avg fee EUR 10,532
Schools listed
66
Curricula
22
Average annual fee
EUR 10,532
Fee range
EUR 0 – 44,359
Most common curriculum
American Curriculum (63 schools)
Average school size
583 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Colegio Virgen de Gracia
Oldest
Pérez Iborra School (1939)
With boarding
16

Read our parent's guide to the American Curriculum →

22 international schools in Madrid

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17 international schools in Barcelona

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6 international schools in Malaga

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4 international schools in Valencia

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2 international schools in Bilbao

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2 international schools in Tenerife

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2 international schools in Alicante

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2 international schools in Vigo

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2 international schools in Mallorca

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1 international school in Castellon

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1 international school in Santiago-de-compostela

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1 international school in Granada

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1 international school in Lanzarote

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1 international school in Seville

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1 international school in Cadiz

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1 international school in Las-palmas

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FAQs for Spain

How does an American High School Diploma at an international school in Spain differ from the Spanish Bachillerato or the IB Diploma?
An American High School Diploma documents completion of a US-style secondary programme and is often complemented by AP courses for college credit; it is focused on credits and course completion rather than the two-year terminal exams of the Spanish Bachillerato or the core/assessment structure of the IB Diploma. Some schools run dual or parallel pathways so students can pursue the American diploma alongside IB or Spanish qualifications, but the specific recognition and university entry implications depend on the courses taken and the receiving universities’ policies.
What are typical tuition and extra costs I should budget for?
Tuition at international schools in Spain varies by location, programme and age - published price comparisons and individual school fee schedules show a wide spread from roughly €5,000 a year at more affordable primary providers up to €20,000 - €25,000 (or higher) at premium secondary programmes, with diploma years often costing more. In addition to annual tuition, expect one-off enrolment or matriculation fees, application charges, boarding (if offered), meals, transport, uniforms and exam fees for AP/IB, which together can add several thousand euros to the first-year cost.
When should I apply if we are relocating to Spain next school year?
Start the admissions process as early as possible once your moving dates are confirmed; many international schools in Europe run formal application cycles with key activity in the months before the academic year and some popular schools begin accepting applications up to a year ahead, while others operate rolling admissions for mid-year entries. You should allow time for submitting school reports, assessments or interviews, arranging translations if needed, and paying deposits to secure a place; if you need a fast mid-year placement, contact schools immediately as timelines compress and availability is limited.
What languages are used and how is Spanish or regional language instruction handled?
English is normally the language of instruction in American-curriculum international schools, with Spanish taught as a second language and often integrated across the curriculum; in autonomous communities with co-official languages there may also be Catalan, Basque or Galician lessons or cultural programmes depending on the school and local regulations. Families should ask each school how much daily instruction is in English versus Spanish/other regional languages, what support is offered for non-native speakers, and whether the school prepares students for Spanish-language qualifications or local integration.
What should I check about accreditation, university counselling and exams like AP or SAT?
Look for recognised accreditation (for example US regional or global accrediting bodies) and whether the school is authorised to offer AP courses and to register students for College Board exams, since these affect curriculum quality and wider university recognition. Also check the school’s university counselling record, whether they offer university-entry support for the countries you’re targeting, and practicalities such as exam centre status for AP/SAT, as arrangements and recognition policies vary between schools.
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