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The English Montessori School - Discovery House

Spain, Madrid

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees €5,000 - 13,450
Ages 3 - 6 years
Pupil numbers 780
Type Co-educational
Opened 1973
Bus Service Yes
Part of
The English Montessori School
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages French
Typical class size 25
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years
Introduction

Located in Aravaca, Madrid, The English Montessori School (TEMS) is private day school serving ages 2 to 18 across campuses: Discovery House (Nursery to Year 2), Voyager House (Pre-Nursery to Year 2), Explorer Campus (Year 3–11), and Nexus Navigator (Year 12–13). The school blends the British curriculum with Montessori pedagogy and uses the Cambridge International Curriculum as the preschool through elementary framework, including the Cambridge Primary programme for the elementary years. It maintains a bilingual environment with Polish and English native‑speaking teachers and full‑time English exposure. A Polish curriculum is offered at the high school level. Mixed‑age classes support collaborative learning, and Montessori methods are integrated alongside bilingual education. TEMS was founded in 1973 in Madrid and is part of Cognita, a network of international schools. The campuses provide facilities across 11,151 m² at Explorer Campus, and offers trips and extra‑curriculars, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and cultural trips.

This campus is part of The English Montessori School

C. de Ganímedes, 9, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28023 Madrid, Spain

The Essentials

The English Montessori School - Discovery House has 780 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
The English Montessori School (TEMS) is in Aravaca, a residential suburb of Madrid, Spain. It operates across four campuses in Aravaca: Discovery House for Nursery to Year 2 (3–6 years), Voyager House for Pre-nursery to Year 2 (1–6 years), Explorer Campus for Year 3 to Year 11 (7–15 years), and Nexus Navigator for Year 12 to Year 13 (16–18 years). TEMS is a British private school based in Madrid, and the surrounding area includes residential neighborhoods, local amenities, and healthcare facilities such as Hospital La Zarzuela.

Stages
The school is organised across four campuses: Discovery House (Nursery–Year 2, 3–6), Voyager House (Pre-nursery–Year 2, 1–6), Explorer Campus (Year 3 to Year 11, 7–15), and Nexus Navigator (Year 12 to Year 13, 16–18).

Type
Private day school offering a British curriculum alongside Montessori principles.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

Bus service
Bus 161 from Moncloa to La Salle - Blanca De Castilla; Bus 162 from Moncloa to Blanca De Castilla - Camino De La Zarzuela; Bus 657 stops at La Salle-El Aúriga.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are mandatory for students from Pre-Nursery to Year 11; Year 12 and Year 13 do not wear uniforms but follow TEMS dress code.

Food Options
The kitchen prepares meals on site and designs menus by age and dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, and ovolactovegetarian options); allergies and intolerances are double checked by kitchen staff and the nurse; monthly menus are published for Nest to Year 4 and Year 5 to Year 13.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at The English Montessori School - Discovery House ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 13,450 for 2026/27.

Monthly tuition — Fees by year group (published for 2025–2026)

- Pre‑Nursery (age 1–2): EUR 500 per month.
- Nursery (age 3): EUR 610 per month.
- Reception (age 4): EUR 676 per month.
- Year 1 (age 5): EUR 797 per month.
- Year 2 (age 6): EUR 892 per month.
- Year 3 (age 7): EUR 960 per month.
- Years 4–6 (ages 8–10): EUR 1,026 per month.
- Years 7–9 (ages 11–13): EUR 1,102 per month.
- Years 10–11 (ages 14–16): EUR 1,122 per month.
- Year 12–13 (1º–2º Bachillerato, ages 16–18): EUR 1,122 per month.
- Years 12 & 13 (A Levels & IBDP pathway, ages 16–18): EUR 1,345 per month.

Charges included / additional monthly charge

- Monthly charges that cover materials, books, digital platforms, excursions, school medical insurance and educational support:
- Infants (Nursery–Year 2): EUR 130 per month.
- Juniors (Year 3–Year 6): EUR 139 per month.
- Seniors (Year 7–Year 13): EUR 151 per month.
These charges are billed on a monthly basis in addition to the tuition shown above.

School lunch

- School lunch (homemade meals; care/supervision at lunchtime): EUR 169 per month (Nursery–Year 13). Lunch is mandatory up to Year 11. Occasional lunches are available up to a set limit before the monthly fee applies.

Transport (bus)

- School bus return service: EUR 160 per month.
- School bus one‑way service: EUR 120 per month.

Wraparound care

- Morning care (from 07:30): EUR 125 per month.
- Morning care (from 08:00): EUR 93 per month.
- Evening care (16:30–18:00): EUR 109 per month.

Discounts

- Sibling discounts: 2nd child 5% discount; 3rd child 25%; 4th child onwards 40%.
- Early/annual payment discount: 1% discount for annual payment made before 1 September.

One‑time / enrolment fees and deposits

- Registration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): EUR 600.
- Place reservation fee (one‑time each school year, deducted from the first tuition invoice): EUR 400.
- Deposit (applicable only to families paying monthly; one‑time per family; returned when all children in the family leave TEMS): EUR 300.

Per‑term and annual examples (presentation of the published monthly fees as term and year totals)

- Note on calculation: tuition is published as a monthly fee. The figures below show two common ways parents budget from a published monthly figure. To convert to an annual or per‑term total the monthly amount is multiplied by the number of months in that billing model. For clarity the examples below use an academic billing model of 10 monthly instalments across the academic year (September–June) and a three‑term academic layout with Term 1 = 4 months (Sep–Dec), Term 2 = 3 months (Jan–Mar) and Term 3 = 3 months (Apr–Jun). These examples are shown only to convert the published monthly fees into per‑term and annual totals for budgeting purposes:

- Example — Pre‑Nursery (EUR 500 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 5,000.
- Term 1 (4 months): EUR 2,000; Term 2 (3 months): EUR 1,500; Term 3 (3 months): EUR 1,500.

- Example — Nursery (EUR 610 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 6,100.
- Term 1: EUR 2,440; Term 2: EUR 1,830; Term 3: EUR 1,830.

- Example — Reception (EUR 676 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 6,760.
- Term 1: EUR 2,704; Term 2: EUR 2,028; Term 3: EUR 2,028.

- Example — Year 1 (EUR 797 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 7,970.
- Term 1: EUR 3,188; Term 2: EUR 2,391; Term 3: EUR 2,391.

- Example — Year 2 (EUR 892 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 8,920.
- Term 1: EUR 3,568; Term 2: EUR 2,676; Term 3: EUR 2,676.

- Example — Year 3 (EUR 960 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 9,600.
- Term 1: EUR 3,840; Term 2: EUR 2,880; Term 3: EUR 2,880.

- Example — Years 4–6 (EUR 1,026 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 10,260.
- Term 1: EUR 4,104; Term 2: EUR 3,078; Term 3: EUR 3,078.

- Example — Years 7–9 (EUR 1,102 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 11,020.
- Term 1: EUR 4,408; Term 2: EUR 3,306; Term 3: EUR 3,306.

- Example — Years 10–11 (EUR 1,122 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 11,220.
- Term 1: EUR 4,488; Term 2: EUR 3,366; Term 3: EUR 3,366.

- Example — Year 12–13 Bachillerato (EUR 1,122 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 11,220.
- Term 1: EUR 4,488; Term 2: EUR 3,366; Term 3: EUR 3,366.

- Example — Years 12 & 13 A Levels / IBDP (EUR 1,345 per month):
- Annual (10 months): EUR 13,450.
- Term 1: EUR 5,380; Term 2: EUR 4,035; Term 3: EUR 4,035.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is published as a monthly fee; the school publishes an option for annual payment with an early payment discount (1% for payment before 1 September). Monthly charging and the annual‑payment discount are part of the published fee information. Specific invoice dates and instalment plans are set in the school's billing paperwork and invoices.

Refund information and deposit conditions

- Registration fee: non‑refundable (one‑time).
- Place reservation fee: paid at registration each school year and is deducted from the first tuition invoice.
- Deposit: EUR 300 per family for monthly‑paying families; the deposit is returned when all children in the family leave the school. These refund and deduction rules are specified in the published fees.

Boarding

- Boarding is not charged and no boarding fees are published; the school does not publish boarding provision or boarding fees as part of its fee schedule.

Other costs

- Uniform: the school maintains a uniform policy (uniform costs are not itemised in the published fee schedule).
- Optional extras such as occasional lunch, occasional bus use, certain extracurriculars or specific trips may incur additional charges beyond the monthly tuition, charges and services listed above.

Fee payment options

- The published fee material shows monthly invoicing and an annual payment option with an early‑payment discount. Typical payment channels accepted by international schools include bank transfer and card payments for invoices; the school issues invoices that set the exact payment method and bank details to be used for each family's account.

(End of fee overview)
Academics

The English Montessori School - Discovery House teaches British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum for students aged 3 to 6.

Curriculum
The Cambridge International Curriculum is used as the preschool through elementary framework, with the Cambridge Primary programme for the elementary years. The school is an international preschool and primary school with an English Curriculum and a bilingual program with Polish and English native‑speaker teachers, and a high school with a Polish curriculum. The Montessori method is used alongside bilingual education. Full‑time native‑speaking teachers provide daily English exposure. Classes are mixed‑age and the school serves children aged 2 to 18. The Cambridge programme is internationally recognized and has been in use for 150 years.

Student Teacher Ratio
The school has a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school nurtures caring, confident, and independent individuals as part of a holistic education. The mission emphasizes global awareness, respect, and empathy. The values foster a caring community with respect for others and the environment, and cultivate practical life skills that build self‑confidence.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides personalised learning with tailored support for each student, enabling them to excel academically and develop critical thinking. This approach aligns with Montessori principles to address diverse learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English, Spanish, and French and provides English immersion from an early age to support language development. English and multilingual instruction are part of the school's offerings.

Mental Wellbeing
A welfare officer is on duty daily from 08:55 to 17:55, and a nurse is available to assist pupils during the day. A psychologist's room is on site to support pupil welfare and wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The school has safeguarding and child protection policies and follows established safeguarding procedures. The Use of Reasonable Force policy ensures interventions are justified, proportionate, and reported, with consideration for pupils' needs.
Parent Experience

History
The English Montessori School was founded in Madrid in 1973. It combines the British curriculum with Montessori pedagogy. For over 40 years TEMS has been established as a British school that blends British education with Montessori pedagogy and offers progression to Spanish Bachillerato or A Levels. TEMS is part of Cognita, a network of over 70 schools across eight countries, which shares expertise and best practice to support global education.

Community
The community of parents, pupils and teachers plays a big role in creating the vibrant atmosphere around the school. There are regular opportunities for parents to understand and contribute to their children's learning, including meetings with teachers. The school also offers weekend excursions where families can feel part of the community, such as climbing, canoeing and horse-riding. TEMS is part of Cognita, a global network of schools.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The English Montessori School (TEMS) is located in Aravaca, Madrid, and operates four campuses: Discovery House for Nursery to Year 2 (3-6 years), Voyager House for Pre-Nursery to Year 2 (1-6 years), Explorer Campus for Year 3 to Year 11 (7-15 years), and Nexus Navigator for Year 12 to 13 (16-18 years). Discovery House uses Montessori principles with indoor-outdoor learning environments for young children. Voyager House provides Montessori-inspired spaces for the youngest learners. Explorer Campus spans 11,151 m² and offers state-of-the-art educational and recreational facilities. Nexus Navigator provides a university-style setting with dedicated learning spaces, personalised mentoring, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

Sports Facilities
Explorer Campus features state-of-the-art educational and recreational facilities. The four TEMS campuses—Discovery House, Voyager House, Explorer Campus, and Nexus Navigator—are located in Aravaca, Madrid. Explorer Campus spans 11,151 m² and provides spaces designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. Nexus Navigator offers a university-style setting with dedicated learning spaces, mentoring, and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities.

Academic Facilities
Discovery House is a Montessori-based facility for Nursery to Year 2 (3-6 years). Voyager House provides Montessori-inspired spaces for pre-nursery (1-3 years) and infants (3-6 years). Explorer Campus supports Year 3 to Year 11 (7-15 years) with 11,151 m² of space and state-of-the-art educational and recreational facilities. Nexus Navigator supports Year 12 to 13 (16-18 years) with a university-style environment, dedicated learning spaces, personalised mentoring, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The campuses are four distinct learning environments located in Aravaca, Madrid.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Learning outside the classroom includes trips, sports and extracurricular activities. Residential trips abroad include Iceland, where students experience aurora borealis, glaciers and geysers. An annual cultural trip visits places in Spain such as Tenerife, Gredos, Cuenca and Ávila. A ski trip is offered for junior and senior pupils, with supervision by teachers. One-day visits to museums, factories, towns, zoos, theatres and planetariums complement the curriculum. Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions are conducted, for example in Redes Natural Park in Asturias. For information, clubs@tems.es.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers learning outside the classroom through trips, sports and extra-curricular activities. The Iceland residential trip lets students experience aurora borealis, glaciers and geysers. Residential trips around Spain offer visits to Tenerife, Gredos, Cuenca and Ávila and help students practise languages and gain an appreciation of different cultures. The Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition develops leadership, teamwork and confidence.

Cultural & Language
Residential trips abroad allow students to practise languages and gain an appreciation of different cultures. Iceland trips expose students to real-world experiences such as aurora borealis, glaciers and geysers. Spain trips provide cultural and linguistic experiences by visiting diverse locations such as Tenerife, Gredos, Cuenca and Ávila. One day visits to museums, factories, local towns, the zoo, castles, monuments, theatres, the planetarium and other sites supplement classroom learning.

Leadership & Professional
The Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition is part of the extra-curricular program. Participants undertake rural expeditions to develop leadership, teamwork and confidence, with Redes Natural Park in Asturias as the chosen location this year.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The ski trip is a week-long, supervised activity for junior and senior pupils, with teachers present and ski monitors on the slopes. Spain trips include sporting activities as part of the cultural experience.
Languages

Language Provision
Education is taught in English following the British system from ages 3 to 16. In Secondary, IGCSE exams include English First Language, Mathematics, Science, English Literature, French, History, Geography, ICT, Art & Design, and Spanish (First Language). French is offered with DELF exams, and language proficiency is assessed through Cambridge exams for languages. Languages offered include English, French and Spanish.
Reputation

Awards
Forbes list of 100 Best Schools in Spain

Accreditations
NABSS — membership aligns with the highest standards of British education in Spain
Duke of Edinburgh International Award — associated with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program
CICAE (Confederation of Spanish Educational Centers Abroad) — membership
ACADE (Spanish Association of Private Schools) — membership
Cambridge Institutional Examinations — collaboration with Cambridge for examinations
Pearson Edexcel — offers Edexcel assessment methodology, A Levels and International GCSE
Admissions

Admissions
The English Montessori School (TEMS) is a British private school in Madrid for children aged 1 to 18. The school blends Montessori values with the British curriculum and operates in a trilingual environment, with English, Spanish, and French taught to students. In Pre-University, TEMS offers three pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Spanish Bachillerato, and A Levels. Open days and private tours are available for prospective families. Admissions require an online application, an interview with the parents and student, and an evaluation of the student's previous academic history. The school provides a downloadable Prospectus for families.

Scholarships
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School Events
The school has not added events
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