doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
B

Benjamin Franklin International School

Spain, Barcelona

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees €14,050 - 22,820
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 720
Type Co-educational
Opened 1986
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French
Typical class size 17
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS) is a non-profit international American school in Barcelona serving ages 3 to 18. BFIS delivers a comprehensive American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, augmented by the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12, with a bespoke curriculum option. The school is IB-accredited and located in the Sarrià district (Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona). In 2025 BFIS reported 58 IBDP graduates, a 98% pass rate and an average Diploma score of 35. The campus comprises an Elementary building (2016) and a Secondary building (2021), with a capacity near 700 and over 440 students in Grades 6–12. A Center for Creativity and Innovation is planned for 2026, LEED-certified, uniting Creative Arts, Science, Design, Engineering and Sports, featuring a robotics studio, recording studio, design labs, an Olympic gym, amphitheater and playspace. BFIS provides college counseling and offers a broad range of co-curricular activities and service initiatives.

Carrer de Martorell i Peña, 9, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona, Spain

The Essentials

Benjamin Franklin International School has 720 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
BFIS Barcelona is located in Barcelona, Spain, at Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona. The school serves Nursery through Grade 12. It provides a comprehensive American curriculum complemented by the IB MYP and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Over 63 nationalities are represented at BFIS.

Stages
Nursery through Grade 12 (PK-12)

Type
non-profit International American school in Barcelona

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 63 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
A learning support team helps students with mild to moderate learning differences. BML Specialists provide targeted English language instruction for bilingual/multilingual learners.

Country affiliation
Spain

Bus service
Three private bus routes serve Primary and Secondary students: Route 1 Puerto Olímpico – Gràcia – Sarrià; Route 2 Plaça Universitat – Les Corts – Sarrià; Route 3 Sant Cugat – Sarrià.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding facilities are available.

Uniform Requirement
No uniform is required.

Food Options
The school has a cafeteria, and dietary restrictions are monitored by the nurse and kitchen team.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by The Benjamin Franklin Foundation, a not-for-profit educational foundation.
Fees

Annual tuition at Benjamin Franklin International School ranges from EUR 14,050 to EUR 22,820 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrollment Fees

- Application fee (all grades): EUR 250 (non-refundable).
- Matriculation (re-enrollment) fee (individual billing): EUR 1,100 for first child; EUR 1,000 for each additional child (each year; non-refundable).
- Matriculation fee (corporate billing): EUR 1,300 for first child; EUR 1,200 for each additional child (each year; non-refundable).
- Entrance fee (one-time, new students): Individual billing: EUR 6,000 (non-refundable). For Nursery entrants this Entrance Fee may be paid over two years (50% + 50%). Corporate billing: EUR 6,700 (non-refundable). Entrance Fee payment may be split 50% with Matriculation on acceptance and remaining 50% before the start of the school year.

Tuition Fees — Annual and Per-Term (by year group)

Note: Annual tuition rates are published below. Per-term amounts shown are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three (the school calendar for 2026–2027 indicates an academic year running from September to June with the school year arranged across three main parts); per-term figures are rounded to the nearest euro.

- Individual billing — Annual / Per term:
- Early Childhood (Nursery and Pre-K): Annual EUR 12,950 → Per term EUR 4,317.
- Elementary School (Kinder–Grade 5): Annual EUR 17,000 → Per term EUR 5,667.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual EUR 18,240 → Per term EUR 6,080.
- High School (Grades 9–12): Annual EUR 21,720 → Per term EUR 7,240.

- Corporate billing — Annual / Per term:
- Early Childhood (Nursery and Pre-K): Annual EUR 16,400 → Per term EUR 5,467.
- Elementary School (Kinder–Grade 5): Annual EUR 20,000 → Per term EUR 6,667.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual EUR 21,350 → Per term EUR 7,117.
- High School (Grades 9–12): Annual EUR 25,430 → Per term EUR 8,477.

Optional Services and Other Fees

- Lunch (optional): Full-year payment EUR 1,780; monthly payment EUR 188; single lunch ticket EUR 12. (These lunch amounts are listed on the fees information as the previous-year figures and the school indicates 2026–27 prices are to be confirmed.)
- School bus (optional): Sample route pricing listed (2025–26 amounts shown; 2026–27 prices TBC):
- Routes 1 & 2 Barcelona (round trip): EUR 2,200; one way EUR 1,350.
- Route 3 Sant Cugat (round trip): EUR 2,650; one way EUR 1,600.
- One-way ticket Barcelona: EUR 8.80; Sant Cugat: EUR 15.50.
- IBDP diploma/course/subject fees: Billed directly to families of students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme. Additional charges for field trips, optional parties, extra-curricular activities, tutoring, and special programs are billed as appropriate.
- Tuition insurance (optional): An AXA-offered tuition insurance program is available for an annual premium; premium depends on number and ages of students covered.
- Uniform: No school uniform is required.

Billing Schedule & Payment Terms

- Pre-payment required: Matriculation fees (annual) and Entrance Fees (one-time) must be prepaid for enrollment and re-enrollment; these fees are non-refundable.
- Payment frequency: Tuition, lunch, and bus fees may be paid either annually (single payment) or monthly. Monthly payments are due on the 5th of each month.
- Late payment handling: The school issues a written notice 30 calendar days after a missed due date; interest/service charges are applied beginning 60 days after the due date and every 30 days thereafter (service charge determined by Banco de España). The school may suspend the student for unpaid fees and may refer uncollected debt to legal counsel. Final confirmation of a space for the following year is subject to settlement of all outstanding financial obligations.

Refunds, Penalties & Discounts

- Non-refundable fees: Application fee, Matriculation fee, and Entrance fee are non-refundable.
- Early departure penalty: Any change of enrollment/length of stay must be communicated in writing before June 1 for the next school year. Changes communicated after May 31 incur an Early Departure Penalty equal to three months' tuition. Matriculation and Entrance Fees remain non-refundable regardless of departure notification.
- Discounts:
- Early annual tuition payment: 1.5% discount on tuition when paid in full annually.
- Sibling discounts on tuition: third child receives 10% reduction; fourth child and thereafter receive 20% reduction.
- Entrance fee discounts: 50% for the fourth child and thereafter; 50% for children of BFIS graduates. Application fee discount: BFIS graduate's children receive 100% waiving of the application fee.

Boarding

- Boarding: BFIS does not operate boarding facilities; students must reside full-time with at least one parent or legal guardian while enrolled.

Accepted Payment Methods & Practical Notes

- Payment methods for Entrance Fee and first-time Matriculation Fee: online by credit or debit card, or by wire transfer. All other fees (including re-enrollment Matriculation Fee) require direct debit (SEPA). A SEPA direct-debit form is used for recurring payments.
- Currency: All published fees are quoted in euros (EUR).

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Benjamin Franklin International School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
BFIS provides a comprehensive American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, complemented by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11–12. The IBDP is a two-year program for Grades 11–12 that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and intercultural understanding. Students in the IBDP select six courses from Groups 1–6, with at least three at Higher Level, and complete the DP Core (Creativity, Activity and Service; Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay). BFIS offers college counseling to support local and international university applications. In 2025, IBDP results show 58 total graduates, 57 diploma candidates, a 98% pass rate, and an average score of 35 (highest 45). BFIS is IB-accredited and located in Barcelona (Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona).

Student Teacher Ratio
Class size is 20–22 students.

Exam Results
2025 IBDP results: 58 total graduates; 57 diploma candidates; 98% pass rate; 81% world pass rate; average DP score 35; highest score 45.

Higher Education Progression
University acceptances for 2025 include institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and beyond, with examples such as American University, Boston University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Loyola Marymount University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania, University of San Diego, Villanova University, Virginia Tech, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Sussex, Imperial College London, University College London, IE University, ESADE, Universidad de Barcelona, Leiden University, Maastricht University, and many others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
BFIS has Social Emotional Counselors who support students in developing self-awareness, child protection, self-advocacy, self-regulation, communication and conflict resolution. They work with students individually and in small groups and teach age-appropriate SEL and comprehensive sexuality health and wellbeing content. Students are connected with an Advisor or Teacher they meet with daily to support their overall wellbeing. The school runs initiatives such as Child Protection Training, a Peer Mediation Program, a Transitions Program, and Healthy Choices Awareness for Grades 6-12. The Camino mental health walking route and events like Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month support mental wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
BFIS is an inclusive school that values diversity and positive responses to every student's learning needs. Learning support helps students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive by providing strategies and extra help. Specialists join classes to assist individual students and small groups and work with teachers to set learning goals. If more specialized assistance is needed, BFIS connects families with outside experts.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English. Other language courses are offered, including Spanish, Catalan, and French. BFIS provides targeted English language instruction for students learning English, with BML Specialists co-planning lessons with teachers and providing materials and data-driven support to help learners reach their language goals.

Mental Wellbeing
BFIS supports mental wellbeing through a dedicated counseling program that provides SEL/CSHW education and personal support. The counseling team offers individual and group support to promote resilience and coping skills. BFIS Camino provides a walking route for mindfulness and reflection. School-wide initiatives such as Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

Safeguarding
BFIS provides safeguarding through Child Protection Training for all students and staff. All students learn how to protect themselves from harm and how to report concerns, and staff are trained in child protection protocols to ensure safe reporting and response.
Parent Experience

History
BFIS originated in 1985 when ten Barcelona families envisioned an international American school. In September 1986, BFIS opened with 23 teachers and 150 students spanning PK–12. By 1991 enrollment growth led the Foundation Board to pursue larger facilities. In 2001, long-term Elementary and Middle School modules were added. The school introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2011. The first purpose-built Elementary building opened in 2016, and BFIS reached a maximum capacity of 700 students in 2019. The Secondary building opened in 2021, and the Middle Years Programme was introduced in 2023. A rebranding occurred in 2025, and a New Center for Creativity and Innovation is planned for 2026.

Community
BFIS emphasizes a caring, interconnected community that includes families, faculty, and alumni. The school hosts a range of events and programs that bring the community together, including seasonal activities and the International Food Fair, as well as maintaining an Alumni network as part of school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The BFIS Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) is primarily run by parents with input from the school leadership, faculty, and students. The PTA's vision is to create an interconnected community that fosters joy, excellence, lifelong learning, service and school spirit at BFIS. The core goals are to enrich the educational experience, create a welcoming environment for all families, and support BFIS staff. Involvement opportunities include Event Volunteer, Grade Representative, Committee Member, and Board Member. New Families are supported through a Welcome Program with Making Barcelona and BFIS Home seminars, PTA Welcome Coffee, Barcelona Tours, and New Families Whatsapp Chat, along with Country Representatives Chats. The PTA maintains a sample calendar of events, including the International Food Fair and various family activities throughout the year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
BFIS is located in the Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona and comprises an Elementary School building (inaugurated in 2016) and a Secondary School building (inaugurated in January 2021) that support a student-centered learning environment. In 2026 BFIS will open a new signature Center for Creativity and Innovation, a LEED-certified building that unites Creative Arts, Science, Design, Engineering and Sports. Among its spaces, the center will include a robotics studio, visual art and performance spaces (including a recording studio), an Olympic-sized gymnasium, an outdoor amphitheater, a dedicated playspace, and an additional outdoor court.

Sports Facilities
The new Center for Creativity and Innovation includes an Olympic-sized gymnasium, an outdoor amphitheater, a playspace, and an additional outdoor court to support athletic and outdoor activities. The Elementary School grounds feature a sports court for learning and play, complementing the campus's athletic facilities. A rooftop recreational area is part of the Secondary School building, expanding outdoor activity options for students.

Academic Facilities
The Secondary School building (inaugurated January 2021) accommodates more than 440 students in Grades 6 to 12 and features 15 spacious classrooms, two fully-equipped science laboratories, a design lab and makerspace, and a large library media center. The Elementary School building (inaugurated 2016) has 12 classrooms, with the ground floor housing Early Childhood classrooms and the lower level housing the kitchen and cafeteria; it also includes a rooftop patio and three additional patio spaces adjacent to a sports court.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Center for Creativity and Innovation provides spaces that support extracurricular activities, including a robotics studio and a recording studio within visual arts and performance spaces, as well as a design lab and makerspace. A rooftop recreational area, outdoor amphitheater, playspace, and library media center contribute to opportunities for arts, design, science, engineering and sports-related activities outside the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Coding & Robotics is offered as an Elementary School after-school activity. Middle School and High School include Robotics as part of their after-school offerings. Co-curricular activities include the High School First Robotics Competition and Middle School First Lego League. In High School, Start-Up Academy and AI & Machine Learning provide advanced opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.

Arts & Creative
BFIS offers co-curricular arts after school, including Elementary Musical Theater and Middle School/High School Theater Production. Elementary School provides Performance Art and Musical Theater, while Middle and High School stage Theater Production. Instrumental music is offered after school with options such as piano, guitar, drums, and violin.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations through BFISMUN is a student diplomacy program. BFISMUN holds annual conferences, including BFISMUN 2026. Committees include the Security Council, UNHRC, DISC, ECOSOC, with a middle school General Assembly committee. All committees are conducted in English.

Social & Hobbies
Elementary after-school activities include Cooking, Chess, and Little Makers, along with instrument lessons in Piano, Guitar, Drums, and Violin. Middle School adds Dungeons & Dragons, Fitness, Swimming, Fencing, and Cheer. High School includes Robotics, Musical Theater, Fencing, and instruments as after-school options.

Community & Service
Eco School initiatives are led by the Going Green Club. The Going Green Club began in 2018 and has about 40 members, mainly from Middle and High School. BFIS earned the Green Flag award from Eco-Schools for environmental work and promotes sustainability through initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, reducing cafeteria waste, creating rooftop gardens, and promoting recycling.

Leadership & Professional
Start-Up Academy and AI & Machine Learning are High School co-curricular options that develop technology and entrepreneurial skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
BFIS offers team sports across Elementary, Middle School, and High School, including volleyball, basketball, and soccer/futsal. Interscholastic competition includes El Consell, Iberia League, and BISA League, with participation in local and international school leagues.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction; Spanish is taught as an additional language, and Hispanic Individuals and Societies is taught in Spanish; all other classes are taught in English. Spanish Language Acquisition Program (SLAC) supports non-native Spanish speakers, with placement based on an initial assessment. Spanish is mandatory for all students, with various levels for Spanish acquisition, and Catalan is offered as a native language but not mandatory for non-Spanish students.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction; Spanish is taught as an additional language, and Hispanic Individuals and Societies is taught in Spanish; all other classes are taught in English.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
CIS-member; IB; GOA Proud Member; ECIS; MSA-CESS; Ministerio de Educación; Generalitat de Catalunya
Admissions

Admissions
BFIS has a flexible, rolling admissions process for students aged 3–17 (Early Childhood–IBDP), year-round; siblings are accommodated. The four-step process is: 1. Online Application; 2) Assessments; 3) Review of Application; 4) Enrollment. Step 1: Applications are submitted through OpenApply; a non-refundable 250 Euro fee applies; documents must be original copies with English translations in PDF. Step 1 documents depend on grade; typical items include the Application Form, Health Form, Vaccination Records, Student Passport, Parents' Passports, Student Photo, School Report Cards, and Teacher Questionnaires. Step 2: Assessments vary by grade: Early Childhood includes an in-person observation (30–40 minutes) or video samples; Elementary can include in-person observation or video/work samples; Middle/High requires MAP Math and English and a writing sample; ESL considerations may apply. Assessments do not guarantee a place. Step 3: Admissions decisions are communicated within two weeks after completion of Step 1–2; outcomes include Qualified - Acceptance (space offered on a rolling basis) and Qualified - Waiting List (space offered when available; waitlist positions change). Step 4: Enrollment occurs when space is available; enrollment paperwork includes Enrollment Contracts, SEPA Direct Debit, updated Vaccination/Immunization Records, Doctor Health Form, Parent Health Form, Data Protection Consent, and guardian documentation as required; documents must be PDFs. BFIS may require a legal guardian residing in Spain and related documents (powers of attorney, BFIS Legal Guardian Form).

Scholarships
No scholarships or financial aid are offered at BFIS currently.

Waitlist
BFIS uses a waiting list when a grade is full. A prioritization sequence determines which qualified students on the waitlist are offered space, and a candidate's position on the waitlist changes as others are added. When a place becomes available, the Admissions Office contacts the family by email.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Benjamin Franklin International School with
vs St. Peter's School Barcelona vs Hamelin-Laie International School vs St. George Barcelona vs European International School of Barcelona vs La Miranda International School
Search for more schools
Search schools in Spain View all schools in Barcelona View all schools in Spain IB curriculum schools in Spain Open days & tours in Barcelona What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools