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AIS International School

Spain, Alicante

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €6,600 - 7,350
Ages 6 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 270
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French, German
Typical class size 16
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

AIS International School is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model for students aged 6 to 18. The curriculum blends the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness, with English as the medium of instruction. In Primary, learning follows the Main Lesson approach; students keep Main Lesson books and teachers often stay with the same class for years. The Primary programme combines academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement. The Secondary programme maintains the Main Lesson style while adding more formal study and follows the English National Curriculum, incorporating Steiner-Waldorf and mindfulness influences. AIS prepares students for IGCSE at 16 and A levels at 18, offering subjects across core and arts areas; English remains the language of instruction. The school promotes outdoor-friendly learning in a multicultural, inclusive community with parent involvement, seasonal festivals, residential trips and mindfulness woven into daily life for the whole school.

Camí de l'Ermita, 12, 03580 L'Alfàs del Pi, Alicante, Spain

The Essentials

AIS International School has 270 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
AIS Altea International School is located at Camí de l'Ermita 12, Alfaz del Pi 03580, and Cautivador 18, La Nucía 03530, Alicante, Spain. It sits in the inland Costa Blanca area near Altea and Jávea, accessible by road. A bus service serves the school from Jávea, Calpe and Alicante, with stops in Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada, subject to demand.

Stages
Primary and Secondary levels for ages 6 to 18.

Type
Private British school with Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model.

Additional learning support
Special and Additional Learning Needs Policy.

Country affiliation
British

Bus service
There are three buses that serve the school. They come from/go to Jávea, Calpe and Alicante. Stops include Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada; subject to demand.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The dining service consists of a hot vegetarian meal with a high percentage of organic vegetables. It is prepared on the school premises.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model.
Fees

Annual tuition at AIS International School ranges from EUR 6,600 to EUR 7,350 for 2026/27.

*Application / Registration and Entry Fees*
- Annual registration fee (new and returning): EUR 525 (Primary, due by 5 March for 2026/27 places).
- Annual registration fee (Secondary / A‑level): EUR 609 (where stated for Secondary and A‑Level).
- One‑time administration fee at enrolment: EUR 100.
- Refundable enrolment deposit for new students (when not exempted by pre‑payment): Primary: EUR 1,320; Secondary: EUR 1,470 (deposit amount applied at enrolment; deposit is refundable after withdrawal subject to deductions).

*Primary tuition (Class 1–5 / Year 2–6)*
- Standard monthly plan (Direct Debit SEPA only): EUR 660 per month, paid over 10 months (September–June) = EUR 6,600 per academic year.
- Annual single‑payment option (early payment discount): example shown — EUR 6,270 (5% discount when paid by the specified early deadline). Alternative single‑payment deadlines and discounts are offered (different deadlines yield different percentage discounts).
- Registration and extra enrolment charges: Annual registration EUR 525 (due by the school deadline) plus for new students the refundable deposit EUR 1,320 and the one‑time administration fee EUR 100 when applicable.
- Summer school: one week of Summer School is included in the annual school fees for registered Primary families; additional weeks of Summer School are charged (standard published Summer School fee: EUR 135 per week).

*Secondary tuition (Class 6–10 / Year 7–11)*
- Annual tuition (standard): EUR 7,350 per year, payable in 10 monthly instalments from September to June (Direct Debit).
- Annual registration fee: EUR 609. One‑time enrolment deposit: EUR 1,470 for new students (deposit refunded on withdrawal after deductions). One‑time administration fee: EUR 100.
- Summer school: one week included in the annual fee for registered families.

*A‑Level tuition (Class 11–12 / Year 12–13)*
- Tuition is charged per subject: EUR 3,087 per subject per year.
- Payment schedule for A‑Level tuition per subject: payable in 3 trimester instalments (due September, January and April).
- Concessions shown: 10% reduction for the 2nd subject, 20% reduction for the 3rd subject. Annual registration fee for A‑Level: EUR 609. One‑time administration fee: EUR 100.

*Billing schedule and payment terms (general rules applied across programmes)*
- Monthly plan: 10 instalments, September through June; monthly instalments are taken by Direct Debit (SEPA) on the 1st of each month. Parents who do not use Direct Debit are required to pay at least a whole term in advance.
- Trimester payments: accepted by bank transfer where offered; trimester due dates are the start of each term (example deadlines noted: 1 September, 1 January, 1 April).
- Annual single payment: a single annual payment option is available with an early‑payment discount (example: 5% discount when paid by the school's stated early deadline). Families paying the whole year in advance may be exempt from the deposit requirement for new entrants.

*Other costs and what is not included in tuition*
- Not included in tuition: reading books, workbooks and specialised materials for maths and art (compass, ruler, calculator, specialised art supplies) — these are charged separately.
- Lunch service: a hot vegetarian lunch service is available; lunch registration and charges are handled through the school's chosen lunch provider.
- Bus / transport: bus fees are charged separately and calculated by distance from the school; routes are operated subject to demand and paid in addition to tuition.
- Extra‑curricular activities and selected packages (sports, music, arts, clubs) are additional and may be offered as discounted yearly packages if chosen.
- Summer School (additional weeks beyond the included week): standard published rate EUR 135 per week (sibling discounts may apply).

*Refunds and deposit handling*
- Enrolment deposit: the deposit taken at enrolment is refundable on request after the student's withdrawal from the school; any outstanding fees or other payments owing to the school are deducted from the deposit before refund.
- Deposit exemption: families who pay the whole year in advance (within the school's stated early‑payment window) are typically exempt from paying the deposit at enrolment.
- Fees and withdrawal: the school's Fee Agreement contains the full withdrawal and refund schedule and the application of any discounts; the deposit refund procedure and deductions are administered in accordance with that agreement.

*Boarding*
- Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school with optional bus transport and on‑site lunch.

*Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes*
- Direct Debit (SEPA) is the required method for the monthly 10‑month plan. Trimester and single annual payments are accepted by bank transfer to the school account. For parents who decline Direct Debit, a whole term in advance payment is required. Specific bank account details and exact payment instructions are supplied in the school's Fee Agreement and payment forms.

*Notes on discounts and sibling concessions*
- Early‑payment discounts are applied for single annual payments (examples: 5% and other tiered discounts depending on payment date). Sibling discounts apply as stated in the school's Terms & Conditions and Fee Agreement; parents are required to follow the school's deadlines to secure discount rates.
Academics

AIS International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum
British National Curriculum taught with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness integration; English is the medium of instruction. The primary curriculum offers a balanced mix of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement; Main Lesson blocks are used and the learning is holistic rather than fragmented. Subjects include maths, English, science, Spanish, Valenciano, German, music, art, crafts, ICT and PSHE, with language development support as needed. The transition to secondary maintains the Main Lesson style and introduces more formal study; the secondary program follows the English National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf and mindfulness influences, preparing students for IGCSE at age 16 and A levels at age 18, with subject options across core and arts subjects; English remains the medium of instruction and assessments include external examinations such as IGCSE and A levels.

Exam Results
IGCSE results are published annually. In 2025 overall 71% of entries achieved grades 9-4, with 67% in Science and 77% in Maths; 100% achieved 9-4 in English 2nd language. In 2024 overall 92.4% achieved grades 9-1, with 100% achieving 9-6 in German and 9-5 in English 1st language. (Subject and year specific figures are reported for multiple subjects in recent years.)

Higher Education Progression
In secondary, graduates are adaptable and well-prepared for diverse higher education paths with opportunities within Spain and across the globe.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS follows a uniquely blended education that combines the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness practices; social and emotional development and artistic expression are emphasised alongside academics; mindfulness practices are woven into daily routines to foster self-awareness, empathy, focus and resilience; community engagement and strong parent involvement are integral to the school culture.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction and all classes are taught in English, except languages, gardening and crafts; primary immersion in English is provided for younger students; 80% of teachers are native English speakers with the rest bilingual; children can enroll up to Class 6 without English, but must have a basic level of English to progress; reading and writing in English begins in Class 2.

Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness integration is woven into the curriculum to develop self-awareness, empathy, focus and resilience; the approach promotes a calmer, more supportive learning environment and aims to help students manage stress and relate positively to others; social and emotional well-being is a central consideration across primary and secondary education.

Safeguarding
AIS creates a familiar, calm and secure environment and respects each child and their individual development.
Parent Experience

History
AIS International School is a privately owned British School with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model. It follows the British National Curriculum complemented by a Steiner-Waldorf perspective and integrated Mindfulness practices, emphasising a holistic education balancing a solid academic foundation, artistic expression and socio-emotional development. Learning is delivered through cooperation with an experienced teaching team and a personalised approach to the wellbeing of each student. AIS is a vibrant, multicultural and inclusive community with intrinsic parent involvement.

Community
AIS engages with its community through gallery events, trimester celebrations, fayres and local festivities, and family excursions and trips. The AIS school year calendar for 2025/2026 outlines these events and regular community activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parental participation is encouraged; parents participate in project teams for community activities, on school trips and excursions, collaborate with the school including volunteering in the cafeteria and on the playground, and take part in a weekly crafts group.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is a privately owned British school with a Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model. It follows the British National Curriculum complemented by a Steiner-Waldorf perspective and integrated Mindfulness practices. Mindfulness practices are woven into daily routines and the curriculum, fostering self-awareness, empathy, focus, and resilience. The school offers an outdoor-friendly learning environment in a natural setting with a multicultural and inclusive community and active parent involvement.

Academic Facilities
AIS follows the British National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and integrated Mindfulness practices. The curriculum balances core academic subjects with arts, crafts, music and social-emotional development. A hallmark of the Steiner-Waldorf approach is presenting learning through presentations and seasonal festivals that foster confidence and collaboration. In Primary, learning uses the Main Lesson structure, with students keeping their own Main Lesson books rather than textbooks, and teachers remaining with the same class for many years. Subjects include Maths, English, Science, Spanish, Valenciano, German, Music, Art, Crafts, ICT, Gardening and PSHE; residential trips and excursions are organized as part of the program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There are a range of after-school extracurricular activities which run from 15:45 to 16:45, with a small monthly fee payable for each activity. AIS also offers a Summer School and a July 2026 extracurricular programme.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AIS follows the British National Curriculum, organized into key stages used by schools worldwide, including in Spain. AIS also adopts a Steiner-Waldorf orientation, offering a holistic approach with equal emphasis on academic study, artistic expression and socio-emotional development. Mindfulness practices are woven into daily routines and the curriculum to foster self-awareness, empathy, focus and resilience. AIS provides preparation for IGCSE exams at age 16 and A-levels at age 18, with English as the medium of instruction.

Arts & Creative
The Steiner-Waldorf orientation emphasises artistic expression as a core component of learning, alongside solid academics. AIS embraces holistic education that integrates creative and practical activities to nurture creativity and depth of understanding. The curriculum recognises the value of artistic expression in developing well-rounded individuals.

Cultural & Language
English is the language of instruction across most subjects; 80% of AIS teachers are native English speakers and the rest are bilingual. Primary education offers English immersion for three age groups: 4-9, 10-12, and 13-15. All classes are taught in English, except language subjects. Eight GCSE/IGCSE subjects are offered, with five compulsory including Mathematics, English, Spanish and Science; electives include ICT, Computer Science, Physical Education, Business Studies, Art, Music, Drama, Geography, German and French. AIS offers A-levels as part of the British curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
AIS runs an extra-curricular programme and a Summer School. The programme for 2025/26 is listed, with admissions for 2026/27 now available. The school emphasizes social development and personal growth through activities beyond the core curriculum.

Community & Service
Community engagement is a central feature involving teachers, students and families; regular parent meetings, class events and school fairs foster belonging. Termly festivals showcase student learning and creativity, and family excursions into the local countryside connect students with nature and each other.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness is integrated into AIS life, fostering self-awareness, empathy, focus, resilience and emotional regulation. Mindfulness practices run through circle time, subject lessons and assemblies, contributing to a calmer, more focused and supportive learning environment. These practices support wellbeing and positive relationships, aligning with AIS's aim to nurture healthy, balanced individuals.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction under the British National Curriculum. All classes are taught in English, except the languages, gardening and crafts. Spanish is a compulsory subject within the GCSE/IGCSE framework, with eight GCSE/IGCSE subjects offered: five compulsory (Mathematics, English, Spanish, and Science—Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and three electives; electives include ICT, Computer Science, Physical Education, Business Studies, Art, Music, Drama, Geography, German and French.

Immersion Programs
Immersion in English for three age groups: 4-9, 10-12, 13-15.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the online Enquiry Form. The school will respond with an invitation to a personal or online interview. The enquiry form is available online or by request from the administration office. 2. After submitting the application form, parents are invited for a visit to the school for more information and continuation of the admission process. This visit provides an opportunity to learn more about AIS and the next steps in the admissions process. 3. AIS welcomes children aged 6-18 years. Children can enrol at AIS up to Class 6 without needing to know English, but they must have a basic level of spoken and listening English when entering Class 7. If they enter Class 8 with a low level of English, intensive after-school classes are required, and progress will be assessed at the end of the first term to decide whether they can reach the level required to enter Year 9 and prepare for GCSE. 4. All classes are taught in English, except for languages, gardening and crafts.
School Events
The school has not added events
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