What curricula are available in Las Palmas and how do they differ?
You will commonly find schools following British (UK national curriculum leading to IGCSE/A-levels), American (US-style diploma), German (German curriculum and qualifications) and International Baccalaureate programmes, plus Spanish state or private schools with bilingual tracks. The main differences are assessment and qualification style - British schools use terminal public exams, American schools tend to use continuous assessment and a high-school diploma, German schools follow KMK standards and some schools offer the IB’s inquiry-based programmes; choose the system that best matches your child’s future university plans and language needs.
How much should we budget for school fees and extras?
Published tuition for international and private schools in Las Palmas typically sits around €4,000 - €9,000 per year, but expect extra compulsory costs for items such as registration/matriculation fees, lunches, school transport, exam fees and optional activities. Upper-secondary years (A-levels, IB Diploma) often attract higher tuition and separate exam charges, so ask schools for a full fee schedule and a sample annual budget before you commit.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
The primary intake is for the September school year, so families usually start enquiring and submitting applications in the autumn or winter for the following year, with offers commonly confirmed in spring; many schools also accept enrolments during the year if places are available. Admissions typically require an application form, recent school reports, proof of identity/address, payment of a reservation or enrolment fee and a placement assessment or interview; language testing and information about special educational needs are increasingly requested at application stage.
Will my child need Spanish before starting at an international school in Las Palmas?
That depends on the school: English-medium British and American schools expect proficiency or offer intensive English support, while bilingual schools teach in both Spanish and English and usually welcome children at varying levels of Spanish. Many schools provide language-support programmes (English or Spanish as an additional language) and induction classes; check the level and availability of one-to-one or small-group support if your child is not yet fluent in the school's main language of instruction.
What should relocating families check when comparing schools locally?
Ask about accreditation or recognised inspection reports, which curriculum and external examinations the school prepares pupils for, and the size and language mix of the pupil intake so you know how international the environment will be. Also check pastoral and special-needs provision, transport routes and timing, the full breakdown of fees and any refundable/non-refundable reservation conditions, and whether the school provides university or careers guidance appropriate to the qualifications it delivers.
