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Judy Sharp International School

Spain, Madrid

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees €17,000
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 25
Type Co-educational
Opened 1982
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish
Typical class size 5
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

Judy Sharp International School in Madrid is a private, non-profit American school serving students aged 11 to 18. It operates as an independent, co-educational day school with a bilingual emphasis. The curriculum is an accredited American program, and the school plans to offer AP courses in the future. A distinctive feature is Personalized Bilingual Education, enabling students to graduate with an American High School Diploma while also meeting Spanish ESO and Bachillerato requirements through the Official Spanish Program. Class sizes are small, with about four students per teacher, allowing individualized guidance and growth assessment. The school emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and discussion-based classes. Students participate in Creative Arts Programs and a range of clubs, such as music, debate, Ukulele, eSports, and Dungeons & Dragons. Community service is integrated through food drives and a spring Walk-A-Thon. The campus supports field trips and learning to connect classroom work with real-world applications.

C. Valentín Robledo, 2, 28224 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain

The Essentials

Judy Sharp International School has 25 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location

The school is located at Calle Valentín Robledo 2, 28224 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.

Stages

Middle School (grades 6–8) and High School (grades 9–12) for ages 11–18.

Type

Private, non-profit American school; independent, co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

International student body with representation from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Korea, Venezuela, Israel, Canada, France, Brazil, Iran, and Spain, among others.

Additional learning support

Specialized learner support for dyslexia (dislexia), ADD/ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders; individualized programs and small class sizes.

Country affiliation

United States

School day structure

Classes run 9:30–15:30, Monday–Friday; students may arrive from 8:00 and stay after 15:30 for clubs and support (until 16:30).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school is a day school with no boarding offered.

Governance and Ownership

The Judy Sharp International School is governed by The Judy Sharp Foundation, a private, non-profit foundation. The Judy Sharp International School is a branch of the Judy Sharp Foundation. The Board of Trustees includes Honorary President Julia Sharp Cleveland; President Agustín Vergara Sharp; Vice President John Pinto; Secretary Viviana Waisman Frydman; Board Member Antonio Gil-Nagel Rein; Board Member Javier Serra López-Chicheri.
Fees

Annual tuition at Judy Sharp International School ranges from EUR 17,000 for 2026/27.

TUITION (Grades 6–12)

- Base tuition per year: EUR 17,000.
- Alternative payment schedules:
- Payable monthly: EUR 1,700 (monthly payment option indicated).
- Payable per semester: EUR 8,500 (1st semester: September–January; 2nd semester: February–June).

APPLICATION / ENROLLMENT FEES

- Annual Registration Fee: EUR 300 (recurs annually).
- Capital Fund Fee: EUR 2,000 (one-time, non-refundable charge per student).
- A 10% reduction applies for additional children from the same family to both Tuition and the Capital Fund Fee.

TUITION BY YEAR GROUP / TERM

- A single tuition rate is applied across the school's grade range (grades 6–12): the Base tuition per year is EUR 17,000. Semester and monthly amounts are the corresponding splits noted above. No separate per-grade tuition tiers are published.

BILLING SCHEDULE AND PAYMENT TERMS

- Payment frequency options: annual, by semester, or monthly. The school defines the academic semesters as September–January (1st semester) and February–June (2nd semester). Charges are pro-rated for families entering during the school year.

BOARDING FEES

- No boarding fees apply: the school operates as a day school for students aged 11–18 (grades 6–12) with published daily hours. No boarding program or boarding fees are listed.

OTHER COSTS AND FEES

- The published tuition document lists the Annual Registration Fee and the Capital Fund Fee as the primary supplementary charges. Other specific recurring costs such as mandatory uniform fees, textbook fees, school lunch, transport, or specific extracurricular fees are not specified in the publicly available tuition schedule. Additional optional or incidental charges (e.g., field trips, external exam fees, specialist assessments) are not itemized in the tuition document. Charges for families entering mid-year are pro-rated.

REFUND INFORMATION

- Withdrawals and refunds: refunds are handled in accordance with the school's Tuition Refund Policy. The tuition document states that refunds are made under the terms of that policy; the tuition document also notes the Capital Fund Fee is non-refundable.

FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS

- Accepted forms of payment (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit, etc.) are not specified in the published tuition document or FAQ. Families should use the school's admissions or finance contact channels to confirm the available payment methods and any transaction fees or surcharges that may apply.

ADDITIONAL NOTES (POLICIES & FINANCIAL AID)

- The school operates as a non-profit foundation and maintains a permanent financial aid program; need-based financial assistance is available and awards are reviewed annually. Financial aid does not affect admission decisions. Financial aid and sponsorship arrangements are handled through the school's financial aid processes.
Academics

Judy Sharp International School teaches American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum

American-style education for grades 6–12 (ages 11–18) with an accredited American curriculum. The school is private, non-profit and bilingual, offering Personalized Bilingual Education for Grades 6–12 with a focus on supporting creative and capable students who find traditional classroom settings challenging. The average class ratio is four students per teacher, enabling individualized guidance. The Official Spanish Program provides bilingual proficiency development and enables graduation with an American High School Diploma while meeting the Spanish requirements for ESO and Bachillerato; it coordinates with Spanish authorities for homologación. AP courses are planned for the future.

Student Teacher Ratio

4:1

Higher Education Progression

Graduates can pursue higher education at colleges and universities in the United States and around the world; the US High School Diploma is recognized by colleges and universities across the United States and worldwide.

Gifted and Talented

Programs and support for gifted and talented students include a specialized curriculum for creative and capable learners and individualized programs to meet their needs.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-emotional learning is embedded across the curriculum, with access to a school counselor and specific time dedicated to SEL each week. This supports students' social and emotional development and resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Specialized learning support includes ADHD – executive functioning routines; dyslexia – multisensory reading interventions, support teachers, and extra time on tasks; autism – social-emotional coaching, sensory accommodations, visual schedules, and communication scaffolds. All students receive an individualized learning plan (ILP) that is regularly reviewed with families. An SEN coordinator and a school psychologist are on staff, with access to bilingual specialists via referral.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

It is a distinguished private, non-profit American school in Madrid serving English-speaking students aged 11–18. It offers a personalized bilingual education for grades 6–12.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning embedded in the curriculum, access to a school counselor, and dedicated SEL time each week. The school also emphasizes a safe, trusting environment and structured routines to help students who have struggled with anxiety or frustration rebuild confidence.
Parent Experience

History

The Judy Sharp Foundation was established in Madrid by Judy Sharp in 1976, after moving to Spain in 1963. Our original mission was to provide remedial assistance in learning to Spanish and English-speaking students with learning differences who faced challenges in achieving success in school. The Foundation's first center was located in El Viso, Madrid, where remedial classes in English and Spanish were provided. In 1978, the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science officially recognized the Judy Sharp Foundation as a private, non-profit foundation. The Judy Sharp International School is a branch of the Judy Sharp Foundation, founded in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, in 1982 as a private, independent, non-profit alternative co-educational day school for English-speaking students; it is one of the oldest American schools in Madrid.

Community

The JSS Family is built on fostering community within the student body and with families, making a family environment a priority. Each school year includes schoolwide events at least once a month, ranging from community lunches and social-emotional clubs to Thanksgiving and Halloween celebrations. These events give students and teachers opportunities to connect, supporting personal growth. The school also runs community involvement initiatives, including an annual food drive for Madrid's less fortunate and a Spring Walk-A-Thon to raise funds for a chosen charitable organization, with volunteers encouraged to participate, and aims to connect students to a global community beyond Madrid.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Engaged Parent-Teacher Partnerships are supported with an open-door policy for parents to participate in their child's education. The school hosts parent 'get-togethers' where parents can meet peers facing similar challenges and share successes. A range of activities is organized to foster community among students inside and outside the classroom, including monthly schoolwide events. The Equal Opportunities Fund provides partial financial aid to families unable to meet full tuition costs, supported in part by alumni and friends of Judy Sharp School. Donations to the fund are welcomed through the Judy Sharp Foundation.
Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Creative Arts Programs and Clubs and Interest Groups provide opportunities to engage in music, performing arts, debate, and physical education. Clubs include Ukulele and eSports, and Dungeons & Dragons; students are encouraged to propose and start new clubs. Teachers are at the school before the day begins and after it ends, offering support as needed. The school schedules at least one field trip or extracurricular event per marking period, with excursions to museums, escape rooms, ice skating, and other off-campus learning experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers an American-style secondary education for Grades 6–12 within Madrid, following a modified U.S. framework. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking over rote memorization, discussion-based classes with student voice at the center, and project-based learning with real-world application. Assessment is viewed as growth, and graduates are prepared to pursue university study in the U.S., U.K., Spain, or beyond.

Arts & Creative

Creative arts programs include music, performing arts, debate, and physical education. Clubs and interest groups have included Ukulele, eSports, and Dungeons & Dragons, providing opportunities for creative expression after classes. Regular field trips and school events support expressive learning.

Cultural & Language

Bilingual Spanish program enables students to graduate with an American High School Diploma while meeting the requirements for the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato. Courses include Cultura española (Geography and History) and Lengua Castellana y Literatura. The program is recognized by Spanish educational authorities and helps families coordinate the official titles (homologación) when transitioning to further study.

Social & Hobbies

Parent–teacher partnerships are encouraged and there are school-wide events each month to foster community. Social-emotional clubs and other activities provide opportunities for social development beyond academics.

Community & Service

Students participate in community service initiatives, including annual food drives and a spring Walk-A-Thon to support charitable organizations; volunteering opportunities connect students with Madrid and global communities.

Leadership & Professional

Life and career skills are part of the program, with a focus on the future and meeting students where they are. Community service initiatives also support leadership development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Physical education is part of the middle school curriculum, and students can participate in clubs and activities that foster wellness and teamwork. The school emphasizes a supportive, inclusive environment and close partnerships among students, teachers, and families to support well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the primary language of instruction for the vast majority of classes. The Official Spanish Program provides Spanish-language coursework to satisfy Spanish government requirements. ESL support is available to help students improve their English. The program supports bilingual proficiency development and recognises Spanish titles through homologación processes.

Bilingual Teaching

Most classes are taught in English by native English teachers. English as a Second Language classes are offered to students who need support improving their English. The Official Spanish Program is available, providing bilingual proficiency development and additional Spanish-language requirements for students pursuing Spanish credentials.

Immersion Programs

Integrated Spanish Curriculum for Bilingual Proficiency is the Official Spanish Curriculum. The Official Spanish Program offers students the opportunity to graduate from Judy Sharp with an American High School Diploma while meeting the requirements for the Spanish Titulo de la ESO and Titulo de Bachillerato. Spanish-language courses include Cultura española (Geografía e Historia) and Lengua Castellana y Literatura for 1º ESO–4º ESO. Depending on prior transcripts, additional subjects may be required to meet the Spanish government credit requirements.
Admissions

Admissions

1. 2. The Google Form: You will receive an email with a Google Form requesting information about your child and their personal and academic background; provide clear details and upload documents such as report cards, transcripts, and other relevant tests. 3. Interview with the Director: After submitting the form, the director will contact you to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss the school, fees, and academic plans and to answer any remaining questions. 4. Testing: The school will coordinate placement tests to ensure the student receives the appropriate academic and emotional support; tests are not used to determine acceptance.

Scholarships

Financial aid is available based on demonstrated need; awards are reviewed annually to reflect changes in family circumstances; applying for aid does not affect admission.
School Events
The school has not added events