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Alma Forest School

Spain, Málaga

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,500 - 13,750
Ages 3 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 112
Type Co-educational
Opened 2019
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Alma Forest School is a microschool located on a finca outside Sotogrande, offering ages 3 to 14. The campus comprises Escuela Bosque for ages 3–6 and a Primary School extending to 11, with Middle School to 14. The school is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators. The curriculum combines IB PYP with a bespoke, transdisciplinary framework built around three strands: Imposed Literacy and Numeracy workshops; Emergent Explorations that integrate Science, Humanities and the Arts; and student co-created Explorations guided by interests. About 25% of school time is devoted to self-directed projects. Learning is outdoor and nature-based, with mixed-age groups and real-world application across disciplines. English is common language; Spanish lessons are offered and English learners receive support. Facilities include a finca with fields, trees, animals, and access to farm, forest, beaches, and natural parks. The school offers Off the Grid Summer Camp and trips to deepen community and belonging.

11312 San Enrique de Guadiaro, Cádiz, Spain

The Essentials

Alma Forest School has 112 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Located on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande, Spain. Expansive views across to Gibraltar and Morocco, with fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for. Surrounding natural parks and beaches are used to immerse learning in the natural environment. The school is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.

Stages
Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6; Primary School Ages 6-11; Middle School Ages 11-14.

Type
Microschool; intentionally small school; internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.

Pupil Nationality Mix
24 nationalities represented; 80% of families relocated to join Alma Forest School.

Country affiliation
Spain
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch catering is provided; parents supply a healthy daily snack. Catering costs EUR 93 per month for Escuela Bosque and EUR 110 per month for Grade 1 through Grade 7, with meal prices of EUR 5.50 for Escuela Bosque and EUR 6.50 for the rest of the school.

Governance and Ownership
Sharyn is Co-Founder and Director. Philipp Klaus is Principal. The school is affiliated with LearningPlanet Alliance and QUEST, among other networks.
Fees

Annual tuition at Alma Forest School ranges from EUR 7,500 to EUR 13,750 for 2026/27.

Application and inscription fees

- Inscription (application) fee: EUR 500. This is a one‑off charge invoiced at the time of application and only one payment is invoiced per family. This fee is non‑refundable.
- Deposit: a deposit is charged when an application is processed to secure a place. Deposits are refundable only if the school is notified in writing with a full term's notice of the student's intention to leave (see deadlines below).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term figures)

- Escuela Bosque (ages 3–6): EUR 750 per month (membership fee). Per‑term and annual figures below are calculated from the published monthly amount using the school's monthly billing basis. (See calculation note below.)
- Published: EUR 750 per month.
- Calculated annual (example, based on a 10‑month billing basis): EUR 7,500 per year (EUR 750 × 10).
- Calculated per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,500 per term (calculated).

- Grade 1 (age 6 turning 7): EUR 10,500 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,500.
- Grade 2 (age 7 turning 8): EUR 10,500 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,500.
- Grade 3 (age 8 turning 9): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67.
- Grade 4 (age 9 turning 10): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67.
- Grade 5 (age 10 turning 11): EUR 11,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 3,916.67.
- Grade 6 (age 11 turning 12): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33.
- Grade 7 (age 12 turning 13): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33.
- Grade 8 (age 13 turning 14): EUR 13,750 per year — Per term (calculated): EUR 4,583.33.

(Calculation note: per‑term amounts shown above are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three to produce termly figures consistent with the school's term structure; where the school publishes a monthly fee (Escuela Bosque) the annual and per‑term figures shown are calculated using the school's published monthly billing basis. These per‑term/annual figures are provided for clarity and are calculated from the published amounts. )

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment frequency options: monthly, termly, or annually.
- Monthly payments: due before the 5th of each month.
- Termly payments: a 2% discount is applied to fees paid termly. Termly payments are due before 15 August, 20 December and 20 April.
- Annual payments: a 5% discount is applied to fees paid annually. Annual payment is due before 15 August.
- Sibling discount: EUR 500 annually for each sibling after the first; the discount is calculated according to the family's preferred payment terms.
- Residentials and school trips: these incur additional charges invoiced during the year.

Boarding fees

- Boarding provision or boarding fees are not listed in the school's published fee document. No boarding fee schedule is published.

Other costs and optional extras

- Catering (lunches):
- Escuela Bosque catering: EUR 93 per month.
- Grades 1–7 catering: EUR 110 per month.
- Per‑meal rates: Escuela Bosque EUR 5.50 per meal; rest of school EUR 6.50 per meal. The monthly catering fee is averaged over 10 academic months. Parents must still provide a daily snack. Cancellation rules apply (see refunds/cancellation).
- After School Club (for ages 3–6 and Grade 1; until 4:30pm Mon–Thu): monthly rates by number of days per week:
- 1 day per week: EUR 55 per month.
- 2 days per week: EUR 96 per month.
- 3 days per week: EUR 125 per month.
- 4 days per week: EUR 155 per month.
- Other optional charges: transport nominal fees for day trips, residential and excursion charges, and other extras which are invoiced as they arise. Fees and extras are subject to annual review.

Refunds and cancellation terms

- Inscription fee (EUR 500) is non‑refundable.
- Deposit refund: deposits are refundable only when the school is given written term's notice of intent to leave. The published notice deadlines for refund eligibility are:
- On or before 1 September if leaving at the end of December.
- On or before 31 December if leaving at the end of March.
- On or before 31 March if leaving at the end of June.
- Catering cancellation: canceling catering must be provided in writing before the 25th of the next month and cannot be cancelled in the middle of a month; adjustments may be charged if joining or cancelling partway through the year.
- After School Club: changes or cancellations to selected days must be notified before the 25th of the next month and cannot be cancelled mid‑month. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Fee payment options (methods)

- The school's published fee schedule specifies payment frequency, due dates and discounts but does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, PayPal). For information about accepted payment methods or to arrange a payment, contact the school directly via the published school contact channels.

Short practical summary (key numbers)

- Inscription fee: EUR 500 (non‑refundable).
- Escuela Bosque: EUR 750 per month (published). Calculated example: EUR 7,500 per year; EUR 2,500 per term (using 10‑month monthly basis).
- Primary / Middle (published annual tuition): Grade 1 & 2 EUR 10,500; Grades 3–5 EUR 11,750; Grades 6–8 EUR 13,750. Per‑term figures for each grade are published annual ÷ 3 (calculated values shown above).
- Catering: EUR 93/month (Escuela Bosque) or EUR 110/month (Grades 1–7); per‑meal rates EUR 5.50 / EUR 6.50.
- After School Club: EUR 55–155 per month depending on days per week.
- Discounts: 2% termly payment discount; 5% annual payment discount; sibling discount EUR 500 per additional sibling.

(Where per‑term or annual totals are shown as calculations, they were derived from the published monthly or annual figures and the school's published billing structure.)
Academics

Alma Forest School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
Escuela Bosque is the pre-school for ages 3-6, and the Primary School serves ages 6-11 with Middle School for ages 11-14. The curriculum is built around three overlapping strands: the Imposed strand of Literacy and Numeracy workshops; the Emergent strand of class- or school-wide Explorations that integrate Science, Humanities and the Arts; and the Explorations framework that is co-created with students and guided by their interests. The curriculum draws from international, self-directed, democratic, project-based and outdoor education models, adapting these strengths to Alma Forest School's unique learning environment. Academic workshops align with international standards and use materials developed by leading international schools; most subjects are taught through Explorations rather than in isolated lessons. About 25% of school time is spent on self-directed projects chosen and planned with peers and teachers. Learning emphasizes outdoor, nature-based contexts and mixed-age group work, with a focus on intrinsic motivation and real-world application across disciplines.

Student Teacher Ratio
In the Escuela Bosque, the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:8. In the Primary School, younger groups are supported by a teacher and teaching assistant while older groups have a class teacher; class sizes do not exceed 15 learners.

Exam Results
Academically, students achieve at par with counterparts in other international schools. Teaching materials are drawn from curricula used by leading international schools globally. Graduates depart Alma Forest School with skills that empower independent, self-directed learning and the ability to apply knowledge across contexts.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes Radical Empathy and empathy-building to connect with others and foster compassionate individuals. It follows a Consent-Based approach, with unhurried learning and students co-creating the curriculum. Alma Forest is a Microschool where everyone is known, heard and has the opportunity to contribute, supporting a strong social fabric. The school promotes open, honest exchanges and relationships based on shared humanity, with social, emotional and ethical development embedded in practice.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has staff with experience in Special Educational Needs. Inma, a Primary Teacher, specialized in International Education with a special emphasis on Special Educational Needs, English, and Physical Education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not require children to speak English; as an international school it supports learners who are learning English as an additional language.

Mental Wellbeing
The school supports mental wellbeing through a holistic approach to development, with social, emotional and ethical growth described as part of learning. Staff express commitment to meeting children's emotional needs alongside academic progress.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and recruitment includes child protection screening and appropriate pre-employment checks.
Parent Experience

History
The school is located on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande. The Escuela Bosque for ages 3-6 was co-founded in April 2019 to provide outdoor learning. The Primary School was created in 2020 to continue learning in this environment. The school has 24 nationalities represented and 80% of families have relocated to join, forming a truly international community. Alma Forest School is internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators, with a curriculum built around transdisciplinary projects and self-directed learning.

Community
Alma Forest School is a microschool described as a tribe of learners where everyone is known, heard and has the opportunity to contribute. Its education is rooted in Bioregionalism, Consent-Based learning, and Radical Empathy. A Community Liaison connects families, educators and the wider community, supporting collaboration and shared learning. The school's culture centers on co-creating journeys of discovery with its students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Alma Forest School sits on a Spanish finca just outside Sotogrande, with expansive views toward Gibraltar and Morocco. The grounds include fields to play on, trees to climb and animals to care for, and learning extends into the surrounding farm and forest. The surrounding natural parks and beaches are used to immerse students in the environment. Alma Forest School is a microschool with small class sizes and experienced, internationally accredited staff. The program includes an Escuela Bosque for ages 3-6 and a Primary School that continues the outdoor, inquiry-based approach across the 6–11 and 11–14 age ranges.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor spaces anchor physical activity: fields to play on and forest grounds form the core spaces for movement and play. Learning also includes beach and forest outings as part of the curriculum.

Academic Facilities
Escuela Bosque Ages 3-6 is rooted in the Forest School tradition; children spend the day outside learning in and from nature with experienced forest school educators guiding their development. They access a variety of activities with learning initiated by the student, the teacher and the environment. Primary School Ages 6-11 builds on the forest-school foundation with academic workshops based on international standards; these workshops are integrated into transdisciplinary projects co-created with students and guided by their interests, and about 25% of time is spent on self-directed projects. Middle School Ages 11-14 supports independent research and complex projects, with continued emphasis on tutorials and group workshops. Class sizes remain small, with a teacher-to-student ratio around 1:8 in Escuela Bosque and no more than 15 learners in younger Primary School cohorts.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Off the Grid Summer Camp for ages 4-9 runs weekdays 9:00–14:00; €275 per week, with a sleepover option and a weekly schedule of maker projects, swimming and games. Camp is staffed by Alma Forest School educators with extensive experience in outdoor, project-based learning; lifeguards are present. Registration for 2026 opens February 15, 2026, with spaces expected to fill quickly.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school uses a three-strand curriculum that blends Imposed Literacy and Numeracy workshops with Emergent transdisciplinary Explorations. Literacy and numeracy are delivered through dedicated workshops, including Jolly Phonics, Words Their Way, Reading and Handwriting, and numeracy is taught with Contexts for Learning Mathematics, Number Talks and Mathletics. The Emergent strand guides projects that integrate Science, Humanities and Arts, while Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests. About 25% of school time is devoted to self-directed personal projects planned and carried out with peer and teacher support.

Arts & Creative
Arts are embedded through Emergent Explorations, with the Emergent strand explicitly including the Arts alongside Science and Humanities. Explorations integrate Arts into cross-disciplinary projects rather than treating Arts as a separate subject. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning where creative inquiry and expression are part of the beach and forest explorations.

Cultural & Language
The common language of the school is English and it is spoken inside and outside the classroom. Spanish lessons are regularly offered during academic workshop time and are connected to Explorations, using conversational activities to build vocabulary. Although not an immersion school, English language learners receive support and opportunities to acquire English within the active curriculum. With over 20 nationalities represented, Alma Forest School hosts a diverse international community.

Social & Hobbies
Personal, Social and Physical Education is interwoven with all activities, and Morning Circles address conflict resolution, healthy relationships, bodies and current affairs. A non-violent, restorative approach to conflict resolution underpins daily interactions. Students participate in residential trips and school sleepovers that build community and independence. Guest workshops and local partnerships bring external experts into learning and broaden horizons.

Community & Service
The parent community is a valuable resource and shares experiences to support learning. The school collaborates with local organizations and regularly invites guest workshops to bring real-world knowledge to students. Residential trips and sleepovers reinforce community and relationships and provide opportunities for extended learning outside the classroom. Families participate in events and partnerships that connect Alma Forest School with the local community.

Leadership & Professional
Students plan and carry out self-directed personal projects with the support of peers and teachers. Explorations are co-created with students and guided by their interests, fostering leadership, collaboration and problem-solving. The school supports a village-like culture where students are partners in learning and in shaping the curriculum. Tutorials and group workshops provide structured opportunities for shared leadership and peer learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Escuela Bosque is a forest-school program for ages 3-6, with children learning outdoors in the natural environment. Alma Forest School emphasizes an unhurried approach to childhood and intrinsic motivation, avoiding unnecessary stress. Daily routines include mindfulness, Morning Circles and culture-building activities, with a strong emphasis on healthy living and movement. Residential trips and school sleepovers, along with regular outdoor activities, support wellbeing and community.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught. English as an additional language support is available. There is no English language requirement for enrollment.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Internationally accredited and staffed by experienced educators.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Get to Know Us. A video call or a physical tour of Alma Forest School is arranged to walk you through our approach and ethos. Before the meeting, read the website and our social media pages to understand the school's ethos and activities. This helps families determine if the environment aligns with their expectations.

Step 2: Complete an Application Form. After the tour, complete the Application Form to apply for a free space or to join the waitlist. Provide as much information as possible about the prospective student and family, and include supporting reports and assessments with the completed forms. Create an account to view your application after submitting it.

Step 3: Student Trials. When logistically possible, prospective students are invited to attend trial days before an offer can be extended. This ensures Alma Forest is the best environment for the child.

Step 4: Invitation to Join the Alma Tribe. Following the successful outcome of the above steps, an offer to enrol with Alma Forest is issued.

Waitlist
Waitlist overview: A waitlist is used for enrolment at Alma Forest. Completion of the Alma Forest Waitlist Enrolment Form entitles the Applicant to be added to the waitlist. A separate form is required for each child. The form collects Child Details, Parental Details, and the intended enrolment dates, along with Additional Information. The form includes an Agreement between Parent/Guardian and Alma Forest Primary outlining commitments such as active parent participation, ensuring the child is well nourished and rested, and outdoor learning in all weather. Completion of the form entitles the Applicant to the waitlist. A separate Application for Enrolment and a registration fee are required for each child when moving from waitlist to enrolment. Return completed form to info@almaforestschool.com.
School Events
The school has not added events
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